IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]
President William Ruto has gazetted vacancies for the positions of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson and two members from January 17, next year.
In a notice dated October 21, the President notified that the current office holders' tenure will lapse in the next three months, having been in office for a five-year term since 2017.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7A (2) of the IEBC Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, notify of impending vacancies in the positions of IEBC chairperson and two members of the Commission on January 17, 2023."
According to the IEBC Act, the office of the chairperson or member of the Commission shall become vacant if the holder: dies, resigns from office by notice in writing addressed to the President, or is removed from office.
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"The President shall publish a notice of a vacancy in the Gazette within seven days of the occurrence of such vacancy," the Act reads.
The President is also required to appoint a seven-member selection panel six months before the lapse of the tenure, tasked with interviewing potential candidates and forward names to the Head of State for the appointment.
Wafula Chebukati is exiting the IEBC chairperson position but shall remain in office until January.
Mr Chebukati, who was appointed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has been at the helm of the electoral agency since January 18, 2017, and has overseen two General Elections.
The commission consists of a chairperson and six commissioners.