CJ Koome Gives IEBC Critical Task Ahead Of 2027 Elections
She reminded the incoming commissioners that their appointment comes with a weighty responsibility and that they are now expected to play a critical role in shaping the country’s future.
Marvin Chege 
Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged that the newly reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) swiftly tackle the outstanding constitutional and administrative issues facing the commission, especially with the 2027 General Election a mere two years away.
During her remarks on Friday, July 11, Koome voiced her frustration over the lengthy process of forming the new team, now set to be led by Erastus Ethekon, pointing out that the delay had left a leadership gap within the commission.
She reminded the incoming commissioners that their appointment comes with a weighty responsibility and that they are now expected to play a critical role in shaping the country’s future.
"It is unfortunate that 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," she stated.
New Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon during his swearing-in at the Supreme Court buildings on Friday, July 11, 2025. /THE JUDICIARY
"As a result, several critical processes were stalled, posing risks to the health of our democracy. 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."
“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 remarks followed the official swearing-in of Erastus Ethekon as the new Chairperson of the IEBC, succeeding Wafula Chebukati, whose term had come to an end.
Ethekon was sworn in together with six commissioners during a ceremony at the Supreme Court building, overseen by Chief Justice Koome.
In his oath-taking, the newly appointed IEBC Chair pledged to carry out his duties with commitment, promising to serve all Kenyans impartially, without fear or favouritism.
"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.
At the ceremony, Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah officially took their oaths as IEBC Commissioners.
Meanwhile, the commissioners held a plenary meeting right after their swearing in and elected Fahima as the new IEBC Vice Chairperson.
“Following the gazettement and subsequent swearing in of the Chairperson and members of the Commission, we are pleased to announce to members of the public and stakeholders that the Commission, in its 288th Plenary meeting, elected Commissioner Fahima Araphat Abdallah as the Vice Chairperson of the Commission. The Plenary meeting was held at the Commission Boardroom today, Friday, 11th July 2025,” IEBC Chair Erastus Ethekon announced in a press release.
The fully reconstituted IEBC team assumes office at a pivotal moment, as the country gears up for the upcoming by-elections and begins preparations for the 2027 General Election.
