Ruto announces vacancy for Chebukati's position

According to the IEBC Act, the office of the chairperson or member of the Commission shall become vacant if the holder: dies, resigns from office by notice in writing addressed to the President, or is removed from office.

"The President shall publish a notice of a vacancy in the Gazette within seven days of the occurrence of such vacancy," the Act reads.

The President is also required to appoint a seven-member selection panel six months before the lapse of the tenure, tasked with interviewing potential candidates and forward names to the Head of State for the appointment.

Wafula Chebukati is exiting the IEBC chairperson position but shall remain in office until January.

Mr Chebukati, who was appointed by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has been at the helm of the electoral agency since January 18, 2017, and has overseen two General Elections.

The commission consists of a chairperson and six commissioners.