Eldas MP Adan Keynan speaking on Friday.Eldas MP Adan Keynan has expressed confidence in the seven-member team that was nominated by President William Ruto to head the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Speaking on Friday, Keynan who chairs the Northern Kenya Parliamentary Group said the nomination list reflects the face and diversity of the Kenyan people.
On Thursday, President Ruto nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon for the position of chairperson of the IEBC.
He also nominated six members as commissioners to the electoral body.
They are Ann Njeri Nderitu (Nyandarua); Moses Alutalala Mukhwana (Kakamega); Mary Karen Sorobit, (Uasin Gishu); Hassan Noor Hassan (Mandera); Francis Odhiambo Aduol (Kisumu) and Fahima Araphat Abdallah (Lamu).
"This presidential action follows the recommendations of the Selection Panel on the recruitment of nominees for the positions of chairperson and members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, as transmitted on Tuesday, May 6, 2025," Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said in a statement.
Keynan expressed confidence that the new team once approved by Parliament, will uphold the highest level of transparency, fairness and the rule of law.
“Hearty congratulations to each one of you on your well-deserved nominations to the pivotal mandate, entrusted with the noble responsibility of stewarding our nation’s critical democratic process."
He added, “This role is both an honour and a great responsibility entrusted with upholding the democratic values and electoral integrity of our nation. I want to personally take this opportunity to wish all of them wisdom, courage and success as they embark on this daunting task.”
If approved by Parliament, the newly appointed commissioners will immediately be tasked with overseeing several pending by-elections and laying the groundwork for the 2027 general election, marking a critical phase in the country's electoral preparedness.
The IEBC has remained partially vacant since the previous commissioners exited office, prompting the need for a new team to steer the electoral agenda ahead of the next national polls.
Mohamed Abdi, a resident of Banisa, said the absence of an MP has significantly impacted their constituency.
“For us it has been two years without an MP to represent our concerns at the national level. It has been extremely frustrating since we have not had a person to channel our voice in Parliament and push for our issues,” he said.
He added, “We can't wait to see the body assume office and embark on the exercises that will see us go to the ballot to elect our new MP. It is long overdue."
