By Urban Shihemi, May 12, 2025.

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) the umbrella body of all Muslim organizations, societies, Mosque committees and groups in Kenya has thrown its weight behind the recent recommendations by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel and the subsequent nominations made by President William Ruto for positions in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

President William Ruto nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon from Turkana county for the position of chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

In a press briefing at the SUPKEM headquarters , Islamiya House Nairob, SUPKEM National Chairman Alhajj Hassan Ole Naado expressed its full support for both the selection panel’s recommendations  and the President’s nominees, who are awaiting National Assembly vetting. 

The Council commended the transparency of the process and called on Parliament to expedite the vetting exercise to ensure the IEBC is fully reconstituted ahead of key electoral milestones.

“We are confident that the National Assembly will add the much needed extra layer of vetting and approval ,” says Ole Naado, SUPKEM National Chairman . “The product of which will be a team that earns the trust of the people of Kenya to manage their elections which are very key to our young but enduring democracy.”

President  William Ruto also nominated six other persons as members of the commission . These are Ann Njeri Nderitu (Nyandarua); Moses Alutalala Mukhwana (Kakamega); Mary Karen Sorobit, (Uasin Gishu); Hassan Noor Hassan (Mandera); Francis Odhiambo Aduol (Kisumu) and Fahima Araphat Abdallah (Lamu).

The statement by SUPKEM  comes amid growing concerns about the toxic political rhetoric that has already greeted the nominees with politicians publicly casting aspersions on the character and competence of the nominees.

“We believe that the nominated individuals reflect the competence and integrity necessary to steer the IEBC forward,” said Ole Naado. “The team, once approved, has the potential to earn the trust of Kenyans and play a critical role in delivering credible, free, and peaceful elections.”

If approved by Parliament, the newly appointed commissioners will immediately be tasked with overseeing several pending by-elections and laying the groundwork for the 2027 General Election. Interviews for the chairperson position were held from March 24 to 26, while those for commissioner roles ran from March 26 to April 24.

IEBC has remained incomplete following the expiration of Chairperson Wafula  Chebukati’s term in 2023 and the exit of former commissioners.
Full Statement Below: