Lawyer Katwa Kigen has withdrawn from the ongoing IEBC commissioner interviews, citing concerns over his suitability for the role.
Kigen, who previously served as President William Ruto’s lawyer, said he decided to avoid what he termed as an “unnecessary diversion” from the commission’s critical mandate.
“Considering concerns, albeit unfounded, raised preceding my interview & to avoid unnecessary diversion and controversy in the commission's huge and important task, I have decided to withdraw my candidature,” stated Kigen.
He was scheduled to appear before the IEBC selection panel today, Thursday, April 10.
His withdrawal comes in the wake of remarks by former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi, who raised questions about the accountability and integrity of a lawyer closely linked to the President seeking a job in the electoral body.
“We have a problem of accountability and integrity in Kenya. Why would the President’s known Advocate for over 20 years apply to serve in the IEBC to oversee an election where the President will be a candidate?” he posed.
Kigen was part of Ruto’s legal team during the 2022 presidential election petition at the Supreme Court and had also represented him at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
He has been in legal practice for over two decades.
