By Dorothy Musyoka
The newly appointed chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Erastus Edung Ethekon alongside new commissioners took their oath of office led by Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Supreme Court of Kenya.
According to the CJ, the swearing-in ceremony signified more than a constitutional formality but also it represented the solemn transfer of trust from the public to the new commissioners.
It reaffirmed the central role of the IEBC in protecting one of the most fundamental rights enshrined in Article 38 of the Constitution.
“This swearing-in ceremony is a solemn transfer of trust. From this moment, you bear the sacred duty of safeguarding one of the most fundamental rights in our Constitution: the right of every Kenyan to participate in free, fair, and credible elections, as enshrined in Article 38 of the Constitution,” noted CJ Koome.
“You assume office at a time of national introspection a period when Kenyans, particularly the youth, are voicing discontent with public institutions. The country is crying out for integrity, transparency, accountability, and justice. It is against this backdrop that your mandate acquires even greater significance. Our democracy must rest on a strong foundation, and you are now its stewards,” she added.
The commissioners were called upon to uphold the principles of constitutionalism, impartiality and independence in executing their mandate.
“You are now the custodians of a process that has, in the past, determined the trajectory of our nation sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. Let me borrow the familiar phrase from a marriage ceremony, “for better or for worse.” I use this analogy deliberately. Kenya belongs to all its 50 million citizens. The rights enshrined in our Constitution are not the preserve of a few—they belong to every Kenyan. Kenya does not belong to politicians, the Judiciary, the IEBC, or the police. No one has the right to trample on the rights of others,” remarked the CJ.
The Commission reaffirmed its readiness to serve with the new officials namely:
- Chairperson: Erastus Edung Ethekon
- Member: Anne Njeri Nderitu
- Member: Moses Alutalala Mukhwana
- Member: Mary Karen Sorobit
- Member: Hassan Noor Hassan
- Member: Prof. Francis Odhiambo Aduol
- Member: Fahima Araphat Abdallah
The reconstitution of the Commission comes after an extended period of leadership vacuum following the expiry of the previous Commission’s term over two years ago.