The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel member Prof Adams Oloo has cleared the aid over claims of conflict of interest over his membership to the team. Prof Oloo says he resigned as President

William Ruto’s advisor soon after his appointment as a member to the select commission. Oloo revealed that he relinquished his appointment as an advisor and member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors. 

He made the move immediately after being nominated by the Public Service Commission (PSC) as a member to the selection panel for the recruitment of nominees for appointment of the chairperson and members of the IEBC.

Prof Oloo’s clarification comes after his appointment to the selection panel was challenged in court by lawyer Apollo Mboya, who argued that the appointment was unlawful as Oloo also serves as an adviser to the president.

Mboya asked the court to quash the appointment noting that Oloo’s role in President Ruto’s Council of Economic Advisers could compromise the fairness of the selection process.

Oloo was appointed an advisor to President Ruto on December 20, 2024. His appointment was part of a move by the Head of State to include allies of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga in key government positions.

Improper perceptions

In response, Oloo clarified that he consulted with the president before stepping down in late January.

“Given that my name was due to be forwarded to the President for formal gazettement as per the law, I, after consultation and in concurrence with the President, resigned from the position of advisor to the president. That resignation is contained in a letter dated January 24, 2025,” he said.

He also noted that he resigned as Ruto’s adviser because he believes a credible IEBC is essential for the country’s future stability. Oloo explained that his decision was aimed at ensuring the selection process for the IEBC chairperson and commissioners remains free from any perception of bias.

Oloo further reiterated that he was appointed to the IEBC selection panel as one of the Public Service Commission’s representatives following a competitive process.

He dismissed calls for his resignation from the panel, maintaining that his decision to step down as Ruto’s advisor ensured impartiality in the recruitment of electoral commissioners. 

“I was one of the nominees of the PSC that had two slots. I became one of the nominees of PSC courtesy of competitive interviews conducted under the chairmanship of the Speaker on July 26, 2024,” he said.

He insisted that his focus remains on ensuring a credible electoral process, saying the integrity of the IEBC is key to the country’s democratic stability. By Alvin Mwangi, People Daily