In a recent ruling, the High Court in Kiambu upheld the list of nominees for the IEBC selection panel, dismissing a petition that sought to block the appointments due to alleged regional and ethnic imbalances.
Justice Dora Chepkwony stated that the nine nominees, despite some concerns, reflect an effort to ensure diversity on the panel. The petitioner, Boniface Njogu, had argued that the list disproportionately represented two ethnic groups and failed to include Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
However, the court found that Njogu’s claims did not provide sufficient evidence to warrant the quashing of the nominations. The judge emphasized that the petitioner had not demonstrated that a broader or more inclusive representation was feasible but ignored.
Additionally, the court rejected Njogu’s concerns about the transparency of Azimio’s nomination process. The petitioner had alleged that Azimio’s nominee, Dr. Amb Koki Muli, was selected without adhering to a competitive, transparent process as required by the IEBC Act. However, Justice Chepkwony found these claims largely unsupported by evidence.
The full list of nominees approved for the IEBC selection panel includes Dr. Nelson Makanda, Fatuma Saman, Evans Misati, Nicodemus Bore, Andrew Tanui, Caroline Kituku, Adams Oloo, and Linda Koome.