Nairobi — The split in the National Board over the selection of a new boss for the Constituency Development Fund is being blamed on political interference.

Some members of the board cite politics as the single biggest issue dividing it.

Sources within the board said the job had been earmarked for the relative of a wife of a very powerful politician in the Coalition Government.

When the Nation broke the story last week, threats were made to board members against involving the media and as a result, they are downplaying the issue.

The CDF Act directs that the appointment of a chief executive officer be done on a "competitive basis".

It is understood that the recruitment was done by international recruitment firm, Deloitte & Touche.

According to our sources, Deloitte had initially short-listed 25 candidates, but the list was trimmed to 12 in unclear circumstances, even before interviews were conducted.

Only 10 candidates turned up for the interviews last month, which saw the number reduced to six.

When Deloitte was contacted to check on progress, the firm could not give details because of a client confidentiality clause.

Political analyst Mr Gwada Ogot termed the goings-on at the CDF board as meddling.

"What is so difficult about making the process open and fair as it had been when the firm to handle the short-listing of candidates was appointed?"

"We need to appoint a qualified person. Even if there is political interference, let merit be the guiding principle... but let us give the job to those who qualify."

Mr Ogot said the disquiet at the CDF board arose from fear of victimisation, with members apprehensive over taking responsibility for a flawed process.

Board chairman Lawrence Majali, has since downplayed the reports, describing them as 'speculation'.

The new CEO is expected to be named this week. The position fell vacant after Mr Patrick Gichuru Gichohi was appointed Clerk of the National Assembly.

Mr Timothy Gakuu, a former Eastern provincial planning officer, was appointed in acting capacity.