Lawyers scramble for top IEBC job

More than 40 lawyers and senior managers have applied for the position of CEO of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

Acting CEO Betty Nyabuto and several other top IEBC officials are also in the race to replace Mr James Oswago, whose contract expired while he was on suspension.

“We are in the process of completing the exercise of appointing the new chief executive officer. We plan to have this matter dispensed with as soon as possible,” said IEBC chairman Ahmed Issack Hassan.

Mr Hassan said the IEBC would ensure the process was as transparent as possible so that the most qualified and experienced person takes up the crucial position.

He refused to reveal the names of the applicants, saying longlisting of all the candidates would be done a week before shortlisted candidates can be approved to attend the interview. The application deadline elapsed on September 6.

“This matter is just like a tender. We do not want to open an opportunity for speculation. What I can tell you now is that I have received over 40 applications but I am yet to open them,” said Mr Hassan.

But the Nation established that top lawyers are among those chasing the job, whose holder heads the commission’s secretariat.

A source at the commission said the long list would be forwarded to the National Intelligence Service (NIS) for review before shortlisting could be done.

In the past, some top officials were found to be of questionable character and dubious conduct, hence the thorough vetting, said an official who cannot be quoted.

More than 10 top IEBC officials were suspended after some of them, including Mr Oswago, were arrested and charged in court for corruption and other charges.