Nairobi, July 11, 2025 Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on the newly sworn-in Chairperson and Commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to uphold integrity, independence, and constitutionalism as they embark on their mandate.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice congratulated the commissioners and reminded them that their new roles mark a critical transfer of public trust. “This is not just a legal formality it is a solemn handover of one of the most sacred responsibilities in our democracy: to safeguard the right of every Kenyan to participate in free, fair, and credible elections,” she said.
Justice Koome underscored the weight of the moment, noting that the IEBC’s reconstitution comes at a time of national discontent, especially among the youth, who are demanding transparency, justice, and accountability in public institutions.
She lamented the two-year delay in reconstituting the Commission, which had created a leadership vacuum and stalled critical democratic processes. “Now that the Commission is fully constituted, I urge you to move with speed in preparing for the 2027 General Elections,” she said.
The Chief Justice stressed that the IEBC is not merely an election body but a cornerstone of democratic governance, whose conduct influences national peace, legitimacy of government, and public trust in the rule of law.
Koome urged the newly appointed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson and Commissioners to earn the public’s trust by upholding the principles of independence, impartiality, and transparency in their work.
“The IEBC is not just an election management body, but a cornerstone of our democratic governance,” the Chief Justice said. “Your work directly impacts the legitimacy of government, peace and stability of the nation, and public confidence in the rule of law.” She said
The Chief Justice noted that public trust in institutions is at a low ebb, with many Kenyans expressing discontent with public institutions. He urged the IEBC to rise above this crisis of confidence and earn the people’s trust through their conduct, decisions, and personal integrity.
“Democracy is not sustained by laws and institutions alone,” the Chief Justice said. “It is sustained by trust, fairness, and the belief of every citizen that their voice and their vote matter. You have the opportunity and the obligation to nurture and restore that belief.“
The Chief Justice also reminded the IEBC officials that they must adhere strictly to the constitutional principles of free, fair, transparent, and accountable elections, and that they must be, and be seen to be, independent, impartial, neutral, efficient, and professional.
As the IEBC prepares for the 2027 General Elections, the Chief Justice’s remarks serve as a timely reminder of the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral process and earning the trust of the Kenyan people.
