Ex-EACC Chief Halakhe Waqo Among Nine Shortlisted for IEBC CEO Job

Former Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) chief executive Halakhe Waqo is among nine candidates shortlisted to become the next secretary and chief executive of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), with interviews scheduled for November 12 and 13.

The shortlist narrows the field from 304 valid applications received after the electoral commission advertised the vacancy on July 28, 2026. Applications closed on August 11, according to a notice issued by the IEBC.

The recruitment comes at a critical stage as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election. The successful candidate will lead the commission’s secretariat, overseeing its day-to-day administration and supporting the delivery of its electoral mandate.

Waqo brings experience from another independent public institution. He became the EACC’s first secretary and chief executive in January 2013, serving until his six-year term ended in January 2019.

His inclusion places a former head of a national oversight body among the contenders for one of the IEBC’s most important administrative positions. However, the shortlist does not indicate who is favoured to win the job.

Nine candidates make the shortlist

The IEBC said the final selection took account of gender, regional balance and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

The candidates are:

Anthony Omerikwa — Busia County
Halakhe Waqo — Marsabit County
Harley Mutisya — Makueni County
Edmund Odiwuor Malitt — Homa Bay County
Andrew Gitau Kimani — Nairobi County
Mohamed Abdullahi Abdi — Wajir County
Edward Katama Ngeywa — Trans Nzoia County
Martina Wato Yattani — Marsabit County
Nelly Ilongo — Taita Taveta County

The commission said each shortlisted candidate would be informed individually of the interview venue.

The next stage will give the selection panel an opportunity to assess the candidates’ qualifications and suitability for the role. The IEBC has not announced a preferred candidate, and the final appointment will depend on the recruitment process.

Why the job matters ahead of the 2027 election

The Commission Secretary and CEO is responsible for the administration of the IEBC secretariat and for helping translate the commissioners’ decisions into operational work.

That includes coordinating staff and resources, supporting electoral planning and ensuring that the institution can carry out its constitutional responsibilities.

With the next General Election approaching, the commission faces major tasks involving voter registration, election technology, logistics, stakeholder engagement and preparations for polling.

The CEO will therefore be expected to help maintain institutional continuity while supporting preparations for a nationwide election. The role is administrative, but its performance can affect how effectively the commission delivers its work.

Recruitment follows leadership changes at IEBC

The position became vacant after Marjan Hussein Marjan left the commission in February 2026 following an agreement to end his service by mutual consent.

In its February 3 announcement, the IEBC said his departure marked the start of recruitment for a new substantive CEO and Commission Secretary. It also pledged to maintain continuity while preparing for the appointment.

Ruth Kulundu was appointed acting CEO and Commission Secretary effective August 5, taking over from Moses Ledama Sunkuli after his six-month acting tenure ended. The commission said Kulundu would serve temporarily as the recruitment process continued.

The November interviews are the next key milestone in filling the vacancy. The eventual appointee will inherit responsibility for managing the commission’s administrative operations at a time when public confidence in electoral institutions and readiness for the 2027 polls will be under close scrutiny.

For now, all nine candidates remain in contention. The IEBC has yet to announce the outcome of the interviews or when the successful candidate will take office.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.