IEBC shortlisted 10 Kenyans from 97 applications received

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati. He has maintained the absence of a CEO was not affecting their operations. [File, Standard]

Ten applicants have been shortlisted for interviews for the position of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and commission secretary. 

They want to succeed Ezra Chiloba who was removed last year.

The position is key as the candidate runs the commission secretariat which is crucial in the management of elections.

They include:

1. Joel Mabonga

2. Humphrey Nakitari

3. Zephania Okeyo

4. Christopher Kioko

5. Nancy Kariuki

6. Marjan Hussein

7. Elishiba Muthoni

8. Benjamin Kipchumba

9. Anne Kerubo

10. Khalid Billow 

The 10 are scheduled for interviews at the IEBC offices between June 24 and June 26.

Before he was sacked, Chiloba was sent on leave to pave way for an audit of procurement of electoral materials. Three commissioners resigned from the commission in a drama that has been developing after the 2017 elections.

They include Paul Kurgat, Margaret Mwachanya and then vice chairperson Connie Maina. Another commissioner Rosylin Akombe had resigned from the commission before the 2017 elections.

The electoral agency chaired by Wafula Chebukati said it received applications from 97 Kenyans two of whose applications were not considered as they were received after the deadline.

Chebukati had earlier this week said the absence of a substantive CEO was not affecting operations. “We have an acting CEO and commission secretary and all our programs are going on well,” he said.

Marjan is the acting CEO.