Kenyans back Anne Amadi for IEBC Chair but lack faith selection panel - TIFA poll
Former East African Court judge Charles Nyachae came in second, with 23 per cent of the respondents naming him as their preferred choice.
Former Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi has emerged as the top choice among Kenyans to head the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, even as doubts grow over the credibility of the selection panel that interviewed her and other candidates.
A new survey released by TIFA Research on Wednesday shows that 41 per cent of Kenyans want Amadi to replace Wafula Chebukati as the next IEBC Chairperson. Amadi received support from both men and women, with 40 per cent of male respondents and 42 per cent of female respondents backing her.
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Former East African Court judge Charles Nyachae came in second, with 23 per cent of the respondents naming him as their preferred choice. Nyachae was followed by Erustus Edung at 17 per cent, while Abdulqadir Lorot received 11 per cent.
Despite having a clear favourite, most Kenyans still question the integrity of the recruitment process. TIFA’s findings show that public trust in the selection panel remains low, especially when it comes to fairness and transparency.
The survey also looked into how Kenyans view past presidential elections, with many raising concerns about credibility and fairness. The same mistrust seems to have spilt over into the current recruitment process for IEBC officials.
“Most Kenyans have little or no confidence in the selection process for IEBC commissioners,” said TIFA while releasing the results.
President William Ruto receives the report on the recruitment of nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from the IEBC Selection Panel at State House, Nairobi on May 5, 2025. (Photo: PCS)
The survey further found that many Kenyans do not know the names of those who were shortlisted for the IEBC positions, raising questions about public engagement and awareness around the process.
TIFA also gauged expectations for the next general election, with many Kenyans expressing uncertainty over whether it will be free and fair. These doubts come as the country prepares for a new leadership at the electoral body, which plays a key role in shaping Kenya’s democracy.
The findings were released just two days after President William Ruto received a report from the IEBC Selection Panel, led by Nelson Makanda.
The report contains the names of nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Commissioners following the vetting exercise.
Under the IEBC Act, the President has seven days to forward his picks to the National Assembly for approval. Parliament is then required to vet the nominees and submit the final names back to the President for appointment.
Even with Amadi leading in public support, many Kenyans believe the recruitment process needs greater openness to restore trust in the electoral system.
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