- Makanda was elected panel chair, deputized by Charity Kisotu.
- Panel to invite applications on Tuesday.
IEBC Selection Panel has asked for special prayers from Kenyans as it begins the process of hiring the new Commission.
The panel charged with recruiting Wafula Chebukati's replacement and six other Commissioners on Monday said it is up to the task and will deliver to Kenyans a credible electoral agency.
Speaking when it held its first meeting at KICC, the panel made a commitment to do a thorough job that will satisfy all Kenyans.
During its first meeting, the panel settled on Nelson Makanda as its chairman, he will be deputised by Charity Kisotu.
"Kenyans pray for us because this work is not very easy. We want to assure Kenyans that we will do a good job," Makanda said.
“The panel has expressed commitment to carry its mandate with the sanctity it requires and give room to people who uphold the rule of law to form the next Commission.”
Other members of the panel include Bethuel Sugut and Novince Euralia Atieno representing the Parliamentary Service Commission.
The Political Parties Liaison Committee will be represented by its chairman Evans Misati James.
Benson Ngugi Njeri (LSK) and Fatuma Saman of Namlef
Makanda also revealed the panel will publish the adverts for the vacant IEBC positions in Tuesday dailies and urged qualified Kenyans to apply.
“I want to assure Kenyans that the Panel will place advertisements in the local dailies for the vacant positions of IEBC Commissioners this week as required by the law,” he said.
“I, therefore, want to take this opportunity to urge Kenyans to access the advertisements for the vacancies and send their applications to the panel as will be directed.”
Upon receiving the applications the Panel will conduct the shortlisting exercise and later invite those who will have been successful to conduct interviews.
The panel starts its work at a time the Azimio leader Raila Odinga has scaled up his political war with Ruto where among his demands is halting the IEBC recruitment process to allow for inclusivity of all stakeholders.
Raila also withdrew from the formation of the panel which he maintained is favouring President William Ruto under the recently amended law.
However, Makanda said all stakeholders including political parties have been included in the panel as provided for in the law.
“Political parties are represented in the process and their chairman Evans Misati sits here on behalf of the 85 political parties,” Makanda said.