Rev. Dr. Nelson Makanda, has been elected as the chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel.

Seven appointed members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel took oath of office at the Supreme Court of Kenya on Monday at a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome.

The selection panel members are Kiome Lindah Gakii, Prof. Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Amb. Koki Muli Grignon, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Dr. Nelson Makanda.

The team is delegated with the mandate of recruitment of nominees for appointment as Chairperson and members of the IEBC.

While congratulating the members on their appointment, CJ Koome reminded them that the responsibility they were assuming was not just a legal function but a call to serve the people of Kenya and to safeguard the integrity of the country’s democracy.

“The oath demands that you act with unwavering integrity, resisting any influence that seeks to compromise the credibility of this process. Your guiding principle must be merit and merit alone,” she stressed.

Koome added, “The strength of our democracy, the credibility of elections, defines the stability of a nation, and history has shown us that when elections are free, fair, and transparent, our country flourishes.”

She told the selection panel that the future of Kenya’s democracy depended on the integrity of the men and women they would select to lead the IEBC, noting that the Commissioners they appoint must be individuals of untainted credibility who are committed to independence, impartiality, and the principles enshrined in the Constitution.

The CJ said IEBC is not just another government agency but the custodian of the electoral integrity, whose composition must reflect the highest standards of professionalism and credibility.

She added that when elections are mismanaged, the consequences are severe, as it threatens national unity and public trust.

Koome said the individuals selected must inspire confidence in the electoral system and uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, saying that Kenyans are watching, and the trust they placed in the institution would be determined by the integrity of the choices they make.

Dr. Makanda is an astute Christian leader with over 25 years of leadership experience in church, para-church organisations and community.

He has vast experience in peace and conflict resolution, theology, healthcare enterprise, resource mobilization, and leadership.