Muslim Council Urges Speedy Vetting of IEBC Nominees, Warns Against Political Interference
In picture, Alhajj Hassan Ole Naado (middle)National Chairman The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) reading a joint statement by the council, alongside SUPKEM members in Nairobi.
By Aoma Keziah,
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) has called on the National Assembly to expedite the vetting process of the recently announced nominees of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), cautioning them against politicizing the appointments.
In a statement , they congratulated both the nominees and the Selection Panel that oversaw the recruitment, describing the milestone as a significant step toward reconstituting the country’s electoral body.
“As one of the institutions under the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) that participated in nominating members to the Selection Panel, we fully support its recommendations and the subsequent nominations made by the President,” said Alhajj Hassan Ole Naado National Chairman SUPKEM
They expressed confidence that the National Assembly would carry out a rigorous yet timely vetting process, resulting in an IEBC leadership that commands public trust and is equipped to steer Kenya through critical electoral events. The Council warned that any further delays in reconstituting the IEBC would stall pending by-elections and derail the long-overdue boundaries review.
“Any further delay will affect preparations and timelines for the next presidential and general elections which, as the present political environment shows, are likely to be very competitive,” added Ole Naado
However, he raised concerns over what it termed “toxic political rhetoric” from certain quarters, particularly criticism aimed at the nominee for the IEBC chairmanship, dismissing suggestions that there should have been further consultations with top political actors before the nominations were made.
“The Selection Panel’s formation was itself a product of intense negotiation and inclusivity. Ironically, some of the very politicians now questioning the process had their trusted representatives on that panel,” the National Chairman remarked
They further urged those with reservations about the nominees to raise them through the proper constitutional channels, emphasizing that the vetting by the National Assembly offers a transparent avenue for scrutiny.
Reflecting on the country’s electoral history, the Council cautioned against undermining the electoral body before it assumes office, referencing the Kreigler Report which linked the 2007–08 post-election violence to widespread mistrust in the electoral commission at the time.
As a long-term recommendation, the council proposed a shift in how future commissioners are selected. They called for a model similar to the Judicial Service Commission’s approach, where one nominee per position is forwarded directly, limiting the President’s role to a ceremonial one.
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