Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged the newly reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to urgently address the pending constitutional and administrative tasks facing the team, in light of the fast-approaching 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Friday, July 11, Koome expressed her disappointment with the protracted reconstitution of the new team, set to be led by Erastus Ethekon, noting that the delay had created a leadership vacuum.
CJ Koome reminded the newly constituted team that, following their appointment, they had been entrusted with a significant responsibility and would play a key role in shaping the nation’s trajectory.
“Unfortunately, the process of recruiting the new Chairperson and Commissioners has been protracted. The previous Commission’s term ended over two years ago, creating a leadership vacuum that hindered the Commission’s ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate,” Koome stated.
“Now that the Commission has been reconstituted, I urge you to move with speed to discharge the pending constitutional and administrative tasks and to begin timely preparations for the 2027 General Elections,” she added.
CJ Koome cited previous election cycles, marked by post-election violence and destruction of property, as compelling reasons to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming polls.
“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,” the CJ averred.
Her comments came after Ethekon was formally sworn in as the new Chairperson of the IEBC, replacing Wafula Chebukati, who served at the helm of the Commission until the expiry of his term.
Ethekon took the oath of office alongside six commissioners at a ceremony held at the Supreme Court building and presided over by 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.
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.
At the same time, Chief Justice Koome referenced the low levels of public trust in institutions, citing the growing perception that public agencies have become disconnected from the people they are meant to serve. According to the CJ, the most pressing issue is the erosion of trust between citizens and state institutions.
However, Koome expressed optimism that the government and citizens can work together to restore that trust. “As a person of faith, I believe this is a season for rebuilding, for repairing the breach,” she expressed..
