NAIROBI, Kenya – Newly sworn-in Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon has pledged to deliver free, fair, and credible elections as he takes over the reins of the electoral body ahead of crucial national polls.
Speaking after taking the oath of office at the Supreme Court on Friday, Ethekon described his appointment as “a solemn responsibility” and promised to place the interests of Kenyans first.
“My first loyalty is to the People of Kenya who hold sovereign power under Article 1 of the Constitution,” Ethekon said. “Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democratic society. The IEBC is entrusted with ensuring that every citizen’s voice is not only heard but honoured.”
He was sworn in alongside six newly appointed commissioners—Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah—in a ceremony that officially reconstitutes the IEBC ahead of the upcoming by-elections and the 2027 General Election.
Rebuilding Trust, Battling Misinformation
Ethekon acknowledged the challenges that have haunted previous IEBC teams, citing misinformation, disinformation, and fake news as key threats to electoral integrity.
“We must work with media outlets to ensure the public is informed with accurate, factual content. Misinformation can plunge a nation into chaos,” he said.
He called for unity and collaboration among all stakeholders, including voters, political players, and civil society, to ensure peaceful and credible elections.
“A credible election is not just the mandate of IEBC—it is a collective responsibility,” he added.
Court Clears the Way
The new IEBC leadership assumes office following a legal victory at the High Court. A three-judge bench dismissed a petition filed by Kelvin Roy Omondi and activist Boniface Mwangi, ruling that the challenge lacked merit under Article 22 of the Constitution.
The court discharged conservatory orders that had temporarily halted the appointments and upheld Gazette Notices No. 7724 and 7725, which had formalized the selection of the IEBC commissioners.
“The High Court found that the petition dated 13th May 2025 was without merit and should be dismissed,” the ruling summary read in part.
The swearing-in of a full IEBC team ends a protracted vacuum at the electoral agency and signals the start of preparations for several by-elections and, eventually, the 2027 General Election.
Ethekon’s remarks come at a time of increased public scrutiny over Kenya’s democratic institutions following a wave of youth-led protests demanding transparency, accountability, and electoral reforms.
