CJ Koome Warns Govt Against Trying To Corrupt IEBC

Chief Justice Martha Koome on Monday, January 27 urged the government not to meddle with the day-to-day operation of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), just hours after President William Ruto appointed the IEBC selection panel.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the panel’s nine members at the Supreme Court buildings in Nairobi, Koome called on the government and key stakeholders to allow the IEBC to operate independently.

The CJ urged those involved in the process to ensure that the recruitment of new IEBC commissioners is conducted with speed, integrity and transparency so that the institution exists to serve the interests of Kenyans.

"Strong institutions are the bedrock of our democracy. The IEBC, like all constitutional commissions, must be allowed to function independently, free from political or external interference. As a nation, we must remain committed to ensuring that our institutions serve the people, not personal interests," Koome stated.

Chief Justice Martha Koome with the nine-member IEBC selection panel at the Supreme Court building after the swearing-in, in Nairobi on January 27, 2025. /MARTHA KOOME

''Today, I urge all institutions and stakeholders involved in this process—Parliament, political actors, civil society, and the public—to ensure that the recruitment of new IEBC Commissioners is conducted with speed, integrity, and transparency. The Kenyan people expect and deserve nothing less.''

The Chief Justice, who has recently faced scrutiny amid what some lawyers and state operatives describe as a 'political and judicial witch hunt,' further urged the selection panel to uphold integrity and resist any influence that could compromise the credibility of their mandate.

Simply put, she told the members that Kenyans are closely watching their actions and emphasized that the future of the nation’s democracy hinges on the integrity of the IEBC commissioners they select.

Koome urged the panel to prioritize candidates who embody the values of transparency and accountability, outlining how merit is the sole guiding principle in their selection process.

"Today you take on a responsibility that will shape the democratic future of our nation. Your oath of office is not a mere formality; it is a pledge of service to the people of Kenya. It demands that you act with unwavering integrity, resisting any influence that seeks to compromise the credibility of this process. Your guiding principle must be merit, and merit alone," she added.

"The individuals you select must inspire confidence in the electoral system and uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Kenyans are watching and the trust they place in our institutions will be determined by the integrity of the choices you make."

In what could be seen as a veiled response to the government following a recent incident involving her security detail, the Chief Justice urged the government not to weaponize Kenyans' right to seek legal redress.  

''While every Kenyan has the right to seek legal redress on matters of 4 constitutional significance, this right must not be weaponised to stall governance or advance narrow political interests at the expense of the public good,'' she added. 

In a gazette notice, President Ruto appointed Kiome Lindah Gakii, Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Ambassador Koki Muli, Grignon Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda and Fatuma Saman to be members of the panel.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 7A of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, as read with paragraph 1 (2) of the First Schedule to the Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint (the 9-member team) to be Members of the Selection Panel for the Recruitment of nominees for appointment as the Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission," read the notice in part.

The Head of State further revoked an earlier notice of selection panel appointments that had been Gazetted in 2023. The appointment came three days after the High Court on Friday, January 24 cleared the way for Parliament to send the names of nine members of the selection panel to President Ruto for appointment.