Lobby Group Seeks Court Intervention to Halt IEBC Appointments Over Conflict of Interest Claims
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By John Kariuki
Nairobi, Kenya – Civil society organization Operation Linda Jamii has filed an urgent application in the High Court seeking to stop the appointment of Charles Nyachae and Joy Midivo to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), citing alleged conflict of interest and government interference.
In the petition filed under a certificate of urgency, the group’s president, Prof. Fred Ogola, argues that the integrity of the IEBC is at stake due to what he terms as “deep-rooted affiliations” between the Kenya Kwanza administration and the two nominees.
Prof. Ogola claims that both Nyachae and Midivo are currently holding positions in state-affiliated institutions, compromising their eligibility for appointment to an independent electoral body. According to the petition, Midivo serves as the Chairperson of the Party Dispute Resolution Committee for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) — the ruling party — as well as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors at Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), a state-controlled entity. Nyachae, on the other hand, is currently the Chairperson of the Council at the Kenya School of Government.
“This is a blatant conflict of interest and a threat to the independence and credibility of the electoral commission,” said Prof. Ogola. “We are calling for the nullification of the current shortlist and a fresh, transparent, and merit-based recruitment process.”
The application calls on the court to compel the IEBC selection panel to restart the process, arguing that only truly independent and qualified individuals should be considered.
The matter is scheduled for hearing on 28th July 2025 before High Court Judge Justice Chacha Mwita.
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