Former IEBC commissioners are bidding goodbye to their former colleagues, following the acrimonious exit from the helm of the electoral body.
The commissioners left office under pressure from the opposition, alleging bias to the government, as the chief justice prepares to swear in the new team today, Friday.
The opposition had gone to court eight months ago to call for the disbandment of the whole commissioners, which saw the opposition leaders stage numerous strikes.
The new team comprises Consolata Bucha, Boya Mulu, Rosyln Keya, Paul Kurgat, Margaret Wanjala, Abdi Gulie and Wafula Chebukati as the chairman.
A lot will be expected of Chebukati and his team, with the first being cleaning the perception that the body is leaning towards the government.
The commission has to also find an alternative that is acceptable to both parties in case technology fails in the August polls.
Chebukati will also have to deal with the perception of regional imbalance, as the IEBC Chief Executive Officer Ezra Chiloba hails from the same area as Chebukati.
Chebukati’s nomination raised eyebrows a few weeks ago, after it emerged that he had leapfrogged Ole Kina, who came first during the interviews.
His commission will also have to deal with pressure from Kenyans in general, who expect the commission to deliver a free and fair election, which is only seven months away.