Kenya’s political landscape is heating up as President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga tense standoff over appointing the next IEBC chairperson.
What started as a deal to appease the Gusii community by backing Charles Nyachae has now collapsed, leaving both leaders scrambling for a Plan B.
Why Nyachae’s IEBC Chairperson Bid Is In Limbo
Nyachae, once seen as a compromise candidate, faces serious credibility issues after a disastrous interview performance and allegations of political bias.
His close ties to former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i—a potential 2027 presidential candidate—have further complicated matters. With Western donors like the European Union closely monitoring the process, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
If the wrong candidate is picked, Kenya risks another election crisis, legal battles, and even pre-election violence. The battle for control of the IEBC is no longer just about fairness—it’s about who controls 2027.
The initial plan was simple: Ruto and Raila would back Charles Nyachae for IEBC chair to secure Gusii votes. But the strategy backfired spectacularly.
A Disastrous Interview Performance
Nyachae’s March 24 interview before the IEBC selection panel was a public relations nightmare. He struggled to answer basic questions, including one about his role at the Kenya School of Government. When asked about conflict of interest, he gave vague responses, raising doubts about his suitability.
Worse, he mocked unemployment by admitting he earned Sh280,000 monthly at the East African Court of Justice for “doing nothing.” This arrogance turned public opinion against him.
Political Baggage and Bias Concerns
Nyachae’s deep ties to Fred Matiang’i—his cousin and a likely 2027 presidential candidate—make him a high-risk pick. If appointed, he could tilt the IEBC in Matiang’i’s favor, sparking nationwide distrust.
His past failures as head of the Commission on the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) also haunt him. Under his watch, Chapter Six on integrity and devolution flopped—hardly a strong resume for an electoral chief.
Scandals and Legal Hurdles
Nyachae’s personal life has also come under scrutiny. A 2019 scandal where he allegedly abandoned a college student after impregnating her has resurfaced.
Also, there is a High Court petition that seeks to block him (and Brenda Mdivo) from the IEBC role, citing conflict of interest since both still hold public offices.
The Case for Brenda Mdivo, Ruto’s Controversial Backup Plan
With Charles Nyachae’s candidacy for the IEBC chairmanship collapsing under the weight of credibility issues, President William Ruto has turned to Brenda Mdivo, a Luhya lawyer and current chairperson of Kenya Power, as his preferred alternative.
This move has sparked intense debate about the independence of electoral institutions and the potential for political interference in the 2027 general elections. Mdivo’s close ties to Ruto’s administration raise serious concerns about impartiality.
As the chair of UDA’s electoral disputes committee, she already occupies a conflicted position that blurs the line between party politics and electoral oversight.
Critics argue this dual role could compromise her ability to act as a neutral arbiter, especially in a high-stakes election where Ruto will be seeking re-election. Further complicating matters are Mdivo’s family connections.
Her father, Bishop JB Masinde of Deliverance Church, enjoys direct access to State House, reinforcing perceptions that her appointment would represent another step in the capture of independent institutions by the executive.
These political entanglements have not gone unchallenged. A High Court petition has already been filed to block her consideration, citing constitutional provisions against public officers holding multiple state positions and warning against the dangers of politically compromised leadership at the IEBC.
The legal challenge mirrors similar objections raised against Nyachae, suggesting neither of Ruto’s preferred candidates can assume the role without triggering a constitutional crisis.
The push for Mdivo reveals Ruto’s determination to maintain influence over the electoral body, but at what cost? With public trust in elections already fragile after past controversies, installing a perceived “yes woman” risks undermining the legitimacy of the entire 2027 electoral process before it even begins.
As the selection panel weighs its options, Kenya faces a critical test: will it uphold institutional independence, or allow partisan interests to dictate the guardians of its democracy?
Raila Pushes for Anne Amadi as IEBC Chair Amid Rigging Fears
Opposition leader Raila Odinga strongly supports Anne Amadi, former Judiciary Chief Registrar, for the IEBC chairperson position. Raila believes Amadi, a fellow Luo, will ensure fair elections after his past losses he attributes to vote theft.
Her experience managing judiciary operations makes her a qualified candidate. However, President Ruto’s allies fiercely oppose Amadi’s appointment.
They accuse her of involvement in a Sh100 million gold scam, though she denies these claims. More critically, Ruto’s camp fears Raila wants to install Amadi to manipulate the 2027 elections in his favor.
This clash highlights growing tensions over who controls Kenya’s electoral body, with both sides distrusting each other’s motives.
The appointment could determine whether 2027 elections face credibility challenges before they even begin. Amadi’s fate now depends on whether the selection panel prioritizes experience over political suspicions.
The Search for a Neutral IEBC Chairperson Leads to Erastus Ethekon
As the controversial bids of Charles Nyachae and Brenda Mdivo for the IEBC chairperson position face mounting opposition, political insiders are now looking toward Erastus Ethekon, a lawyer from Turkana, as a potential compromise candidate.
Unlike his rivals, Ethekon presents himself as a neutral figure with no deep political affiliations, making him a less divisive choice for the critical electoral role.
At just in his 40s, Ethekon’s youth and non-tribal background could help bridge the growing generational divide in Kenyan politics, particularly appealing to the Gen Z demographic, which has become increasingly vocal in demanding accountability.
His strong performance during the IEBC interviews further sets him apart from Nyachae, whose disastrous questioning session raised serious doubts about his competence.
However, the biggest question remains whether President Ruto and Raila Odinga will set aside their power struggles and agree on Ethekon. Both leaders have vested interests in controlling the IEBC ahead of the 2027 elections, and their reluctance to cede influence could derail any consensus.
If they fail to find common ground, Kenya risks plunging into yet another electoral crisis, with far-reaching consequences for national stability.
The choice of the next IEBC chairperson is not just about filling a vacancy—it’s about safeguarding Kenya’s democratic future.
