Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ezra Chiloba has been appointed the new Director General at the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA).
CA released a statement on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, revealing that Chiloba will serve at his new role on a four-year term.
“The appointment follows a competitive recruitment process to fill the position left vacant with the retirement of the former director-general, Mr. Francis Wangusi.
“Mr Chiloba is a policy consultant and principal partner with Chil and Kemp and an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. He is the immediate former Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission,” the statement read in part.
“Chiloba previously worked as a Team Leader and Deputy Chief of Party with Development Alternative Inc. He was previously a Projects Analyst in charge of governance, electoral systems and processes with the United Nations Development Program in Nairobi,” the appointing statement read, adding that his appointment commenced on immediate effect.
Chiloba was fired from the IEBC in October 2018 after he failed to appear before the disciplinary committee of the commission to answer to audit queries.
His appointment has since raised concerns among members of the public, who highlighted the happenings of the 2017 General Elections as his doing, and termed his appointment to CA less than a year from the next elections, non-coincidental.
“Communications Authority (CA) is the organ that implements political decisions on internet, radio and TV shutdowns. 2022 being an election year, and with Uhuru so invested in manipulating his succession… Is it by mistake that Ezra Chiloba has been appointed DG of CA?” political activist, Waikwa Wanyoike pondered.
Former IEBC commissioner Roselyne Akombe opined that Chiloba’s appointment was meant to sway the results of the 2022 General Elections.
“The tactics of repression are chilling but what I found fascinating is how they use lobbying/PR firms to project an image of democracy, development, stability and good governance,” Akombe stated.
According to controversial barrister Miguna Miguna, ODM Leader Raila Odinga is being played.