New IEBC Team Sworn In, Ethekon Pledges Free Elections

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has formally reconstituted following the swearing-in of its new Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, who will now lead the commission into the next electoral cycle culminating in the 2027 General Election.

Ethekon, alongside newly appointed commissioners Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah, took the oath of office on Friday, July 11, 2025 in a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome and administered by Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Fridah Mokaya.

In his inaugural address, Chairperson Ethekon described his appointment as a moment of humility and national responsibility, pledging to guide the commission with integrity and constitutional fidelity.

“Credibility depends on our collective responsibility. We will serve by the oath we have taken and ensure that we deliver a credible election to Kenyans,” he said.

Ethekon also added that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of a democratic society and theirs is to ensure that the voice of every Kenyan is heard, counted and honored.

Quoting civil rights icon John Lewis, Ethekon reminded Kenyans of the power of the vote as “the most powerful non-violent tool in a democracy,” and encouraged citizens to participate fully in shaping their future through the ballot.

He acknowledged emerging threats to the electoral process, including misinformation, disinformation and fake news, but noted that technology also presents an opportunity for civic education and public participation.

“Together, we must build a resilient nation, one election at a time,” he concluded, invoking the words of political analyst Larry J. Sabato: “Every election is determined by the people who show up.”

Chief Justice Martha Koome, who oversaw the swearing-in, called on the new commissioners to move with urgency to execute pending electoral tasks, including gazetting of two nominated members of National Assembly, six constituency by-elections, the Baringo Senatorial by-election, and filling of multiple vacant ward representative positions in various counties.

“It is unfortunate that your recruitment process took so long. The law abhors a vacuum, and many Kenyans have been denied representation for over two years,” Koome said.

She emphasized that 2025 must mark the beginning of rebuilding public trust in institutions, noting that a deep trust deficit poses a real danger to the nation’s democracy.

“May the first word in the Commission’s name—‘Independent’—always ring loud in your decisions. Elections are not a one-time event; they are a process that touches the heart of national leadership, security, and stability,” she stated.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Office of the President, Principal Secretary (PS) Arthur Osiya congratulated the new team but warned them against internal divisions.

“You have just started carrying a huge responsibility on your shoulders. My only advice: remain one Commission—not commissions. Your cohesiveness will determine the trust you earn from Kenyans,” he said.

Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, who was also present at the ceremony, emphasized the importance of the rule of law and urged the commissioners to deliver on their constitutional mandate.

The new commissioners now face a tight schedule to deliver pending by-elections and set the groundwork for the 2027 General Election.

With heightened public expectations and a politically charged atmosphere, all eyes are now on Erastus Ethekon’s IEBC to demonstrate independence, transparency, and professionalism as it navigates the nation’s electoral future.

Komen S.K is a student at Kabarak University pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication.