Erastus Ethekon has formally been sworn in as the new Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), replacing Wafula Chebukati, who served at the helm of the Commission until expiry of his term.
Ethekon took the oath of office on Friday, July 11, alongside six commissioners, at a ceremony held at the Supreme Court building and presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome.
During the oath-taking, the new IEBC Chairperson accepted his responsibilities and pledged to serve Kenyans diligently, without fear, favour, or bias.
"I, Erastus Edung Ethekon, having been appointed the Chairperson of IEBC, do solemnly swear that I will at all times obey, respect and uphold the Constitution of Kenya and all other laws of the country," he stated.
He added, "I will faithfully and fully, to the best of my ability, discharge the trust and perform the functions bestowed upon me by this appointment, without fear, favour, bias, ill-will or prejudice. So help me God."
During the event, Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol and Fahima Araphat Abdallah were all sworn in as Commissioners.
Speaking moments after taking the oath, the new IEBC Chairperson expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for the appointment and assured Kenyans of his readiness to serve them.
In his speech, Ethekon also promised to fulfil his role with integrity and make sure the voices of Kenyans are heard while undertaking his new mandate.
"I extend my warmest congratulations to my fellow commissioners. I know the journey has been demanding, but however difficult it may have been, it was simply preparing us for the greater responsibilities that lie ahead," Ethekon remarked.
"Today marks the beginning of our service to the people of Kenya. We must approach this sacred duty with urgency, integrity, and unwavering commitment, guided by our Constitution and the laws of the Republic," he added.
Meanwhile, their swearing in comes hours after President Ruto re-gazetted their appointment after the High Court on Thursday evening nullified an initial gazette notice, noting that it was null and void.
In their judgement, the three-judge bench comprising Justices Roselyne Aburili, John Chigiti, and Bahati Mwamuye, the court ruled that the original notice had breached conservatory orders issued on May 29.
