'I have no conflict of interest,' Ann Nderitu tells MPs

IEBC Commissioner nominee Ann Nderitu appears before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) at Parliament Building for vetting. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Ann Nderitu has confirmed that she is still the Registrar of Political Parties, despite being nominated for the role of IEBC Commissioner.

“I am a state officer, not a public officer,” she told the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), chaired by Tharaka MP George Murugara, defending concerns over a potential conflict of interest.

Nderitu, who currently holds the registrar position, said that she remains in office until a new appointment is formalised.

“The law talks about appointment, and therefore this whole process will culminate in an appointment, which in the meantime we are doing the process leading to it,” she said.

IEBC vetting: Ann Njeri Nderitu ,nominee for position of IEBC Commissioner before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee

Video By Elvis Ogina pic.twitter.com/mpIMz2hoBd

— The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) May 31, 2025

Committee members also questioned her impartiality in the registration of political parties, including the Democracy for the Citizens Party, linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In response to Kibwezi West MP Stephen Mutuse, Nderitu maintained that all party registrations are conducted within the confines of the law.

“Kenya is a multiparty democracy, and as far as a person meets the legal requirements, they should be allowed to register a political party,” she said.

On the issue of conflict of interest, Nderitu said, “I do not currently have a conflict of interest. However, if one arises, I will address it in line with the law.”

She also disclosed her net worth at Sh138 million, comprising investments in real estate, dairy farming, vehicles, and other business ventures. Her income sources include her salary as a state officer, dividends, a small logistics company, and proceeds from farming.

Nderitu’s nomination comes at a pivotal moment, as Kenya moves to reconstitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, following the departure of the previous team.