Lawyer Kigen Pulls Out of IEBC Selection Panel

Lawyer Katwa Kigen has withdrawn from the ongoing interviews for the position of IEBC commissioner, citing concerns over his suitability for the role.
Kigen, who previously represented President William Ruto, was scheduled to appear before the IEBC selection panel on Thursday, April 10. However, he decided to step down to avoid becoming an “unnecessary diversion” from the commission’s critical work.

His decision to withdraw comes after observers raised concerns over Kigen’s close ties to President Ruto.

Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi questioned the accountability and integrity of a lawyer with such strong connections to the President applying for a role overseeing an election in which Ruto would be a candidate.

Kigen’s deep connections with President Ruto, including his involvement in Ruto’s legal team during the 2022 presidential election petition and his representation of the President at the International Criminal Court (ICC), raised concerns about the fairness of his potential role in overseeing elections.