Attorney General Dorcas Oduor has opposed a petition contesting the nomination of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners by President William Ruto. The petition, filed by Kelvin Roy Omondi and Boniface Mwangi, claims the nomination process violated the Constitution.
Oduor argues that the petition was filed prematurely and fails to follow constitutional remedies. She insists that the court’s involvement at this stage undermines the doctrine of separation of powers and interferes with the legislature’s approval process.
“The court should not intervene before the National Assembly completes its vetting process,” she states in her filing.
President Ruto recently nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as IEBC chairperson. He also appointed Anne Nderitu, Moses Mukwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor, Francis Odhiambo, and Fahima Abdalla as commissioners.
Critics, including Kalonzo Musyoka, claim Ruto failed to consult widely, ignoring political inclusivity. The petitioners fear the National Assembly will approve the nominees despite concerns about the process.
The Attorney General urges the court to dismiss the petition, arguing it lacks merit. If the court agrees, the nominations will proceed unhindered. If the petitioners win, the process may be halted.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, these appointments raise concerns about electoral integrity. The opposition vows to challenge them, warning of long-term consequences.
