Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

top
A voter casts the ballot in Kenya during the 2017 General Election.

Kenya

Former Gwassi MP Nyauchi among 8 candidates interviewed for IEBC job

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 9- As the Selection Panel for the recruitment of four Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commissioners entered its third day of interviews Friday, former Gwassi Member of Parliament Felix Nyauchi was hard-pressed to outline what Articles of the Constitution guide the commission’s mandate.

Nyauchi, who is one of the 36 candidates who were shortlisted to fill up four vacant positions at the poll body seemed not to have been conversant with the Articles.

When asked by one of the panelist, Morris Kimuli if there was a law that gives the electoral body mandate to conduct boundary demarcation, Nyauchi said, “I do not know of any.”

Nyauchi was further asked to explain what role the Electoral Body plays in dispute resolution among and within political parties.

“IEBC resolves dispute that emanate from electoral process and not political parties,” he said

In a quick rejoinder, Kimuli asked him if he was sure and quickly said, “Let us move to more familiar territory sir and talk about parliament” a clear indication that Nyauchi was not giving satisfactory answers.

He was the third candidate to be interviewed by the Elizabeth Muli-led Selection Panel.

A lecturer at Egerton University, Dinah Kipkebut, who had been interviewed earlier said if appointed Commissioner, she would bring her 31-year experience in teaching and administration to strengthen the electoral body.

She added that she wanted to serve the country in a different capacity for just 6 years then go back to teaching.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“I still love my job and I know with the experience I have as a teacher for all those years, collecting and keeping data will be something I will be proud to do because I know IEBC has to keep voters’ record up to date and I think my experience will contribute a lot to that,” she said.

Kipkebut further stated that having worked with students for many years and interacted with people of different personalities she will be able to ensure that the commission works amicably with all electoral stakeholders to guarantee a credible election.

“Electoral matters are emotive and you need a calm person to handle such matters. Sometimes I have had to resolve student matters and even stop students from picketing when they are dissatisfied with something in school and instead guided them on other dispute resolution measures. I will maximize on this skill if I get the job,” she added.

The four positions fell vacant following resignation of Commissioners Roselyn Akombe, Paul Kurgat, Margaret Mwachanya and Connie Maina after the 2017 elections.

The first candidate to be interviewed on Friday Con Omore Osendo was tasked to explain what role Parliamentary Justice and Legal Affairs Committees play in funding of the electoral body.

Osendo was further requested to explain what other options the Commission has on matters funding

“The Commission gets funding from the government but I also think that donors do come in when need be and the right procedures have to be followed when this happens,” he said.

Osendo who defended his suitability based on his passion for governance, electoral matters and politics says he will use his 13 year experience where he has networked with various development partners to draw more financial support for the commission.

So far 8 candidates have been interviewed in an exercise in the exercise that ends on July 22.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

About The Author

Comments
Advertisement

More on Capital News

Top stories

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 29 – Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has directed the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and Kenya Seed outlets countrywide...

World

March 29 – US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, hailed India’s remarkable progress in adopting renewable energy during an event on Wednesday. He emphasized...

World

March 29 – Billionaire and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates underscored India’s pivotal role in his philanthropic endeavors and technological aspirations during the Times Now...

Top stories

NAIROBI, KENYA, Mar 29- Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has unveiled plans for cable car development along Lake Victoria, linking Namenya Hills in Budalangi....

World

Economic Watch: High-quality development of Chinese economy a boon for the world BOAO, Hainan, March 29 (Xinhua) — The high-quality development pursued by China...

Top stories

He urged Kenyans to embrace hard work, commitment, and hope, drawing inspiration from Jesus' resilience.

NATIONAL NEWS

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 28 – In a significant development for the East African financial landscape, PayAngel, a global fintech company, has chosen Kenya as...

NATIONAL NEWS

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 28 – Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa has been arrested in an investigation into claims of an extortion racket targeting...