Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on the newly reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) team to act with urgency in addressing the backlog of constitutional and administrative duties, especially with the 2027 General Election drawing closer.
Speaking on Friday, July 11, CJ Koome expressed concern over the lengthy and delayed process of forming the new IEBC leadership, which is now headed by Erastus Edung Ethekon.
She noted that the delay had left a leadership gap at a critical institution, preventing it from effectively performing its constitutional functions for more than two years.
“The process of recruiting the new Chairperson and Commissioners has taken far too long. The term of the previous team ended over two years ago, leaving the Commission without effective leadership, and slowing down vital electoral preparations,” Koome said.
Now that the Commission is finally complete, the Chief Justice emphasized that the time to act is now.
“With your appointments now official, I urge you to hit the ground running. Begin working immediately on the tasks before you and start planning for the 2027 elections in good time,” she added.
Elections Are More Than Political Events, CJ Warns
CJ Koome reminded the IEBC team that elections are not just political exercises — they directly impact national peace, economic progress, and the protection of human rights. Drawing from Kenya’s past, she referenced the recurring pattern of electoral disputes, violence, and destruction that often follows poorly managed elections.
“Our painful history of post-election conflict — where lives have been lost and property destroyed — should remind us that elections must be conducted with the highest level of care, transparency, and responsibility. The stakes are too high,” she emphasized.
Swearing-In of New IEBC Team
The remarks came shortly after Erastus Ethekon was officially sworn in as the new IEBC Chairperson, succeeding Wafula Chebukati, whose term ended earlier. Ethekon took the oath of office at the Supreme Court, in a ceremony overseen by CJ Koome herself.
Also sworn in were six commissioners:
- Ann Njeri Nderitu
- Moses Alutalala Mukhwana
- Mary Karen Sorobit
- Hassan Noor Hassan
- Francis Odhiambo Aduol
- Fahima Arafat Abdallah
Ethekon pledged to serve Kenyans with loyalty and integrity, promising to uphold the Constitution and carry out his duties without fear, bias, or favour.
“I will faithfully discharge my responsibilities and perform my duties without ill-will, prejudice, or partiality. May God help me to serve the nation with honour,” Ethekon declared.
CJ Koome on Restoring Public Trust
During her speech, the Chief Justice also touched on a growing crisis of confidence among citizens toward public institutions. She observed that many Kenyans feel disconnected from state agencies and doubt whether these institutions truly serve the public’s interests.
“One of the biggest problems facing our country today is the loss of trust in public offices. Many citizens feel that the system is failing them,” she noted.
Despite this challenge, CJ Koome expressed hope and belief that the IEBC and other institutions can work to restore public faith.
“As a person of faith, I truly believe this is a time for rebuilding what is broken, for restoring the bridges between our institutions and the people,” she stated with conviction.
Her message served not only as a call to action for the new electoral team but also as a powerful reminder of the critical role public servants play in preserving democracy, ensuring justice, and building a better Kenya.
Join Gen Z New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
