CJ Koome to New IEBC Team: Uphold Integrity, Restore Public Trust Ahead of 2027 Polls

Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on the newly sworn-in leadership of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to uphold integrity, independence, and transparency as they prepare to oversee the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at the Supreme Court in Nairobi on July 11, 2025, Koome urged Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon and six newly appointed commissioners to move with urgency to restore public confidence in the country’s electoral system.

“May the first prefix of your name — ‘Independent’ — always sound a clear tone. You are now custodians of the people’s democratic will. You must be impartial and act with courage,” said CJ Koome.

She emphasised that credible elections are critical to national cohesion and stability, warning that the long delay in reconstituting the commission following the expiry of Wafula Chebukati’s term over two years ago had left a damaging leadership vacuum.

“Our painful history of disputed elections, cycles of violence, and loss of life and property is a stark reminder that elections are not mere political events; they are matters of national security, economic stability and human rights,” she said.

Koome underscored the need for the commission to move quickly to address key pending issues, including fresh voter registration, boundary reviews and overdue by-elections stalled since January 2023.

She also made clear the role of the Judiciary in ensuring electoral justice, while challenging the IEBC to play its part.

“The Judiciary remains committed to upholding the rule of law in electoral processes. But let me be clear, the foundation of credible elections lies with a well-prepared and impartial IEBC. If the electoral process is managed professionally, transparently and competently, the need for judicial intervention will be significantly reduced,” she said.

Chairperson Ethekon took the oath of office alongside Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah.

In his remarks, Ethekon pledged to lead the commission without fear, favour, or bias.

“I will at all times obey, respect, and uphold the Constitution of Kenya and all other laws of the country,” he affirmed.

CJ Koome concluded by reflecting on the growing erosion of trust in public institutions and expressed hope that this new IEBC team would mark the beginning of a turning point.

“This is a season for rebuilding, for repairing the breach,” she said.