Kenya: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has begun the process of replacing James Oswago, the agency's chief executive officer and secretary.

IEBC said in a statement it was conducting the exercise three months to the expiry of Mr Oswago's contract and interested candidates could apply.

"The recruitment of the commission secretary/CEO has nothing to do with the fact that Mr Oswago and other senior IEBC officials are facing court charges," said IEBC Communication Manager Tabitha Mutemi.

Oswago was suspended from the poll agency last November alongside his deputy Wilson Shollei and two other top officials.

The law requires that a public officer charged with graft or economic crimes is suspended until proceedings against him or her are concluded.