Wamuzi News Ke
A storm of frustration is brewing among Kenya’s youth following the release of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) shortlist for Chairperson and Commissioners.
Outraged youth leaders have slammed the selection process, accusing it of sidelining young, qualified candidates despite their constitutional right to representation.
In a scathing protest letter to the Selection Panel Chairperson, Dr. Nelson Makanda, youth organizations—including the Notable National Youth Leaders Caucus led by Alex Matere and the Inter-Party Youth Forum under Kidi Mwaga—have condemned the process as biased and unfair.
“The youth of this nation are appalled and deeply disappointed by the exclusion of young, competent applicants from the shortlist,” the letter states.
According to these groups, numerous qualified young candidates applied but were mysteriously left out, raising serious doubts about the selection’s transparency.
Adding fuel to the controversy, they claim that several names appearing on the shortlist were not on the original long list published on March 6 but were later added in a suspicious March 14 addendum. “Our clients were not informed of any extension to the application period,” the letter asserts.
The protest also alleges that the list includes individuals with questionable records—money launderers, political operatives, and even figures with pending corruption cases or past impeachment.
The youth groups are now demanding an immediate overhaul of the process, the inclusion of at least 50% young people and persons with disabilities in the revised shortlist, and full disclosure of the selection criteria.
They have given the panel 48 hours to act, warning that failure to comply will result in legal action, mass protests, and parliamentary intervention.
With young people making up 70% of Kenya’s population, their exclusion from such a vital institution has intensified concerns over fairness and inclusivity in governance. All eyes are now on the IEBC Selection Panel to see whether it will bow to pressure and amend the disputed process.
