IEBC selection panel sworn in

Written By:Judith Akolo/Mary Daraja,    Posted: Mon, Aug 08, 2011

Panel chairman Ekuru Aukot appealed to the public for their goodwill as the panel takes up the most difficult vocation of having to choose IEBC commissioners The panel that will recruit commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission was sworn in Monday at a brief ceremony at the Nairobi law courts. The ceremony was conducted by Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga. The Chief Justice asked the government to ensure the personal security of members to the selection panel for the recruitment of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners. "You be ready to put your lives on the line, this is not idle talk, you might actually be shot at," said the CJ. "The Minister aid you will be harassed and lobbied, but consider that you might be shot at, so Mr. Minister the security of these commissioners for me is a national priority as they start working ensure they have security," he added. Mutunga asked the panel not to be cowed but be forthright in their work and deliver the best and competent IEBC Commission to Kenyans. Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Mutula Kilonzo told the seven-member panel that the commissioners they will be recruiting will constitute a crucial component of the electoral process that ought to be guided by integrity and fortitude. The panel starts work immediately by preparing advertisements for the IEBC chairman, vice chairman and commissioners' jobs before the expiry of the August 27th deadline by which the commission is required to be in place. "The people of Kenya have expressed their desire for an electoral process that is free and fare. They yearn for an electoral process that is free from violence, intimidation, improper influence or corruption," said Kilonzo. The Minister called on the selection panel not to be intimidated or harassed by politicians but be candid in their work. "You will be harassed and labeled all kinds of names by the political class, in an attempt to shape your thinking in a particular way. But you must not lose focus," Mutula said. The Chairman to the Panel Ekuru Aukot appealed to the public for their goodwill as the panel takes up the most difficult vocation of having to choose the correct people who will ensure that the choices they make will help to heal the nation after the 2007 to 2008 debacle. He said the panel is up to the task and will execute their mandate as expected. Dr Aukot was the first to take the oath as the chairperson of the panel followed by the vice chairperson Prof Marion Mutugi. Other members of the panel sworn in included Justice Isaac Lenaola, Mwanyengela Ngali, Ms Rosa Buyu, Ms Irene Keino and Ms Sophie Moturi. The panel will be assisted by the Public Service Commission in the recruitment process.