Former IEBC commissioner Molu defends role in nullified polls as he faces vetting for PSC job

A former commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Boya Molu, on Thursday defended his nomination to the Public Service Commission (PSC) during his vetting by MPs, despite facing criticism over his role in overseeing an election that was later nullified by the Supreme Court.

Molu, who joined the IEBC in January 2017, just five months before the controversial general elections, has been the subject of public scrutiny after the Supreme Court annulled the election results due to irregularities.

His nomination to the PSC has sparked a debate, particularly from critics who argue that his involvement in the flawed elections should disqualify him from holding another public office.

During the vetting, Muhoroni MP James Onyango Koyoo questioned Molu's suitability for the position, suggesting that in other democracies, someone with Molu's background would not be allowed to hold public office again.

"You presided over a nullified election. In other democracies, you should not have been allowed anywhere near public office. In good faith, you should have just gone home not to bother Kenyans in seeking another job," Koyoo stated.

In response, Molu defended his tenure at the IEBC, emphasising that his late appointment to the commission hindered his ability to address the structural issues that contributed to the election's annulment.

"We did our best under the circumstances. We joined the commission in January, and the election was in August. The problem was the process and not the results. We implemented a lot of reforms. I should not be crucified for a mistake done by the entire commission," Molu said.

Molu also made a case for his capabilities in improving public service operations, stating that if appointed to the PSC, he would work to address the weaknesses in the commission.

He suggested that one of his priorities would be to digitise the recruitment process, reducing human interference and increasing efficiency.

"A motivated public service is the motor that drives the government agenda. I will push for proper training, re-skilling of staff, and fostering accountability and transparency among civil servants," Molu said.

The former IEBC commissioner further promised to streamline the PSC if confirmed.

"Waiting for six months to know whether one has been recruited by PSC will be a thing of the past. A Kenyan should be served professionally without needing to know anyone."

Molu, whose net worth was disclosed as Sh160 million, also reflected on his role in the 2022 presidential election.

He was notably involved in supporting former IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati during the announcement of President William Ruto's victory.

Molu, alongside Abdi Guliye, stood by the declaration of Ruto as President after some IEBC commissioners, including former Vice Chair Juliana Cherera, rejected the results.