Chief Justice Presides Over Swearing-In of IEBC Chairperson and Six Commissioners

Chief Justice Martha Koome presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the Chairperson and six newly appointed members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) at the Supreme Court.
Erastus Edung Ethekon took the oath of office as the Chairperson of the Commission. The six commissioners sworn in were Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdalla.
In her remarks during the ceremony, CJ Koome emphasized the weight of the responsibility now entrusted to the Commissioners, noting that they bear the sacred duty of safeguarding one of the most fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution—Article 38—the right of every Kenyan to participate in free, fair, and credible elections.
“You assume office at a time of national introspection—a period when Kenyans, particularly the youth, are voicing discontent with public institutions. The country is crying out for integrity, transparency, accountability, and justice. It is against this backdrop that your mandate acquires even greater significance,” she said.
CJ Koome reiterated that the IEBC is not merely an election management body but a constitutionally independent institution, and a cornerstone of Kenya’s democratic governance.
“The work you undertake directly impacts the legitimacy of government, the peace and stability of the nation, and public confidence in the rule of law,” she noted.
She urged the Commissioners to ensure that all decisions, actions, and processes align strictly with constitutional principles, and to uphold the highest standards of transparency, impartiality, and professionalism.
“The law requires—and the public expects—that the Commission be, and be seen to be, independent, impartial, neutral, efficient, and professional,” she added.
CJ Koome affirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and called on the new Commissioners to play their part in protecting the Constitution and advancing Kenya’s democratic journey.
In his address, Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon pledged loyalty to the people of Kenya, stating that sovereignty belongs to the citizens.
He called upon all Kenyans to remain committed to democratic values, stressing the importance of collective effort in building a stronger and more resilient nation—one election at a time.
“To every Kenyan preparing to vote in 2027: trust is not demanded—it is earned. We understand this, and we are ready to earn your trust every step of the way,” said Mr. Ethekon.