IEBC Nominee Hassan Noor Admits Family Ties to MP Junet Mohamed
Nominated Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan has confirmed that he is related to Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed, addressing questions that emerged during his vetting process before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) on Saturday, May 31.
Appearing before the committee at Parliament Buildings, Hassan acknowledged that he is Junet’s brother-in-law, a relationship that has drawn scrutiny from opposition leaders who claim it compromises the neutrality of the IEBC selection process.
“I am related to Junet Mohamed. I am his brother-in-law. Mr. Chairman, as a brother-in-law, I existed long before Junet,” Hassan told the panel, responding to direct questions about alleged political affiliations.
The confirmation comes amid mounting pressure and skepticism from opposition leaders, particularly Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who earlier voiced concerns regarding the credibility and transparency of the IEBC recruitment process. Speaking on May 13, Kalonzo alleged that several nominees — including Hassan — had connections to top political figures, suggesting that the selection process was politically compromised.
According to the opposition, the recruitment panel, chaired by Dr. Nelson Makanda, was not independent and included individuals closely aligned with President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, raising fears that the electoral body is being subtly reshaped ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a strongly worded statement, opposition leaders decried what they described as a “flawed and politically manipulated” process.
“From the outset, the recruitment process was flawed. The selection panel was a political extension of the State House, stuffed with Ruto’s loyalists and backroom advisors,” the joint opposition statement read.
“The constitutional principles of consultation, public participation, and political neutrality were completely discarded. The result? A compromised commission lacking integrity, legitimacy, and public trust.”
At the center of these concerns is the assertion that the relationship between Hassan and Junet was instrumental in extending the panel’s operational timeframe — a move that critics argue allowed for political maneuvering behind the scenes.
Despite the political backlash, Hassan is one of seven nominees presented by President Ruto on May 8, 2025, to serve as IEBC commissioners. The full list includes:
- Hassan Noor Hassan
- Ann Njeri Nderitu – Registrar of Political Parties
- Moses Alutalala Mukhwana
- Mary Karen Sorobit
- Francis Odhiambo Aduol
- Fahima Araphat Abdallah
Additionally, Erastus Ethekon Edung was nominated as the Chairperson of the IEBC, following the panel’s recommendations.
While the Constitution mandates that IEBC appointments be free from political interference, opposition leaders argue that the latest nominations have blurred this line, potentially undermining the Commission’s ability to independently oversee future elections.
Political analysts have also weighed in, noting that transparency in such high-stakes appointments is critical, especially given Kenya’s electoral history. Allegations of bias, whether substantiated or not, risk diminishing voter confidence and destabilizing public trust ahead of the 2027 polls.
The JLAC is expected to continue vetting the remaining nominees in the coming days, with the final report slated to be tabled before the National Assembly for approval.
As the public awaits the outcome, the broader debate over the integrity and impartiality of Kenya’s electoral institutions remains front and center — a critical issue with implications well beyond this year’s appointments.
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IEBC Nominee Hassan Noor Admits Family Ties to MP Junet Mohamed