As of 2024 Kenya had no IEBC commissioners and the pressure is mounting for the formation of this important body that governs the elections in the country. A looming question is why the government hasn’t formed an IEBC Commission. So far important reforms and discussions on reconstituting the IEBC have been ongoing, aiming to restore public trust and address systemic challenges within the commission.
Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has had several commissioners since 2011, serving under different leaderships. Below is an overview of the key commissioners during this period:
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2011–2016: Hassan-led Commission
Chairperson: Ahmed Issack Hassan
Commissioners:
Yusuf Nzibo
Abdullahi Sharawe
Kule Galma Godana
Thomas Letangule
Albert Bwire
Mohammed Alawi
Lilian Mahiri-Zaja (Vice-Chairperson)
This commission oversaw the 2013 General Elections, the first under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
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2017–2022: Chebukati-led Commission
After the resignation of the Hassan-led commission, a new team was appointed following recommendations from political stakeholders.
Chairperson: Wafula Chebukati
Commissioners:
Abdi Guliye
Boya Molu
Roselyn Akombe (resigned in 2017 before the repeat presidential election)
Margaret Mwachanya (resigned in 2018)
Paul Kurgat (resigned in 2018)
Consolata Nkatha Maina (Vice-Chairperson, resigned in 2018)
Chebukati’s team oversaw the 2017 General Elections and subsequent repeat presidential election following the annulment of the initial results by the Supreme Court.
2022 Post-Resignations and the Divided Commission
Following the controversial 2022 General Elections, divisions in the commission arose.
Chairperson: Wafula Chebukati
Remaining Commissioners:
Abdi Guliye
Boya Molu
Juliana Cherera (Vice-Chairperson, later resigned)
Justus Nyang’aya (resigned)
Irene Masit (suspended and investigated)
Francis Wanderi (resigned)
Cherera, Nyang’aya, Masit, and Wanderi formed a faction opposing Chebukati’s announcement of the presidential results, leading to a political and legal fallout.
Betty is a qualified teacher with a Bachelor of Education (Arts). In addition, she is a registered Certified Public Accountant. She has been teaching and offering part-time accounting services for the last 10 years. She is passionate about education, accounting, writing, and traveling.