People's Coalition questions citizenship of applicants in IEBC CEO recruitment list
The coalition said its review of the published list had raised concerns about the citizenship status of some applicants, arguing that the IEBC needed to clarify whether all those listed met the legal requirements for the position.
The People's Coalition on Electoral Reforms has demanded that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) explain alleged irregularities in the recruitment of its Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, questioning approximately 44 names on the published applicants' longlist that it claims suggest the applicants may not be Kenyan citizens.
In a statement dated October 29, 2026, the Coalition said its review of the published list had raised concerns about the citizenship status of some applicants, arguing that the IEBC needed to clarify whether all those listed met the legal requirements for the position.
"The People's Coalition on Electoral Reforms, as part of its 288 days, state of absolute electoral integrity vigilance, is raising a red flag over glaring structural flaws and critical threats to the integrity of the recruitment process for the position of Commission Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)," the statement read in part.
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"A thorough audit of the officially published longlist of applicants by IEBC has revealed deep anomalies, notably the inclusion of approximately 44 names that strongly suggest the applicants are not Kenyan citizens, featuring names that are erstwhile of West African descent," the Coalition added.
The Coalition questioned the authenticity of the applicants' longlist and whether the recruitment records could have been manipulated, asking: "Where then, is the correct list of applicants?"
It demanded that the IEBC provide public clarification and verified documentation establishing the identities, citizenship status and proof of application of the candidates in question.
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The group gave the Commission a 24-hour ultimatum to provide the information, warning that failure to do so would prompt legal action.
"Therefore, the People's Coalition gives the IEBC a strict 24-hour ultimatum to present verified documentation and proof of application for the contested longlist to the general public," the statement said.
Beyond the CEO recruitment, the Coalition called for the public disclosure and vetting of applicants for other strategic electoral positions, including more than 55,000 Presiding Officers, 290 Constituency Returning Officers and 47 County Election Managers.
It said the recruitment of electoral personnel should comply with constitutional requirements on integrity, merit, transparency and public service.
The Coalition also cited Articles 10, 73 and 232 of the Constitution, which outline national values and principles of governance, leadership and integrity, and public service.
The recruitment process began on July 28, 2026, when the IEBC advertised the position in newspapers and on its website. Applications closed on August 11, with the Commission receiving 304 valid applications.
On October 28, the Commission announced that it had shortlisted nine candidates for interviews scheduled for November 12 and 13. It said the final shortlist took into account gender representation, regional balance and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Among those shortlisted are former Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) CEO Halakhe Waqo and National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) CEO Anthony Omerikwa.
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