A wave of discontent has erupted among Kenya’s youth following the release of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) shortlist for Chairperson and Commissioners.

Prominent youth leaders have rejected the list, citing a blatant exclusion of young, qualified candidates despite their constitutional right to representation.

In a strongly worded protest letter addressed to the Chairperson of the Selection Panel, Dr. Nelson Makanda, youth organizations, including the Notable National Youth Leaders Caucus led by Alex Matere and the Inter-Party Youth Forum under Kidi Mwaga, have condemned the process as discriminatory and flawed.

“The youth of this country have been shocked, outraged and dismayed by the omission of young, qualified individuals from the shortlist,” the letter states.

According to the youth groups, hundreds of eligible young applicants had submitted their names but were inexplicably left out, raising serious concerns about transparency and fairness in the selection process.

Adding to their frustration, the youth claim that several names appearing on the shortlist were not on the long list published on March 6. Instead, they were included in an addendum released on March 14, raising suspicions about the credibility of the process. “Our clients were not aware that the application period had been extended,” the letter emphasizes.

Furthermore, the protest highlights the inclusion of individuals with questionable backgrounds, alleging that the shortlist features money launderers, individuals with pending corruption cases, political operatives and even officers previously impeached or fired for corruption.

The youth are demanding an immediate review of the selection process, the inclusion of at least 50% youth and persons with disabilities in the revised shortlist and public disclosure of the criteria used for selection.

They have given the panel a 48-hour ultimatum to address their grievances, warning that failure to act will prompt legal action, mass protests and parliamentary intervention.

With the youth making up 70% of Kenya’s population, their exclusion from such a critical institution has ignited concerns about fairness and inclusivity in governance. All eyes are now on the IEBC Selection Panel to see if it will heed the demands and rectify the contentious process.