New IEBC Officials to Take Oath at Midday
This development comes at a pivotal moment, with several pending by-elections and precisely two years remaining until the 2027 General Election.
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Erustus Edung. Photo/Easleigh Voice.
By Juliet Jerotich
The newly appointed leadership of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will officially be sworn in at noon at the Supreme Court.
This development comes at a pivotal moment, with several pending by-elections and precisely two years remaining until the 2027 General Election.
The incoming team comprises the newly appointed Chairperson, Erustus Ethekon Edung, along with six commissioners: Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah.
Their swearing-in follows a recent ruling by a three-judge bench, which dismissed a legal challenge questioning the validity of their nomination and selection.
Although the court rejected the petition, it nullified a Gazette Notice dated June 10, 2025, through which President William Ruto had formally appointed the officials.
The judges instructed that a new Gazette Notice be issued to regularize the appointments. The directive was acted upon immediately, clearing the way for the oath-taking ceremony to proceed.
Chief Justice Martha Koome is expected to lead the swearing-in, ushering in a new phase for the electoral body. The commission assumes office at a crucial juncture.
Several constituencies and wards currently lack representation due to vacancies created by various circumstances, such as the passing of elected officials.
According to the law, by-elections should be held within 90 days to fill such seats. However, the IEBC had been unable to act due to the absence of a fully constituted commission, following the departure of previous members.
With the new leadership in place, the commission is now in a position to begin addressing the backlog of electoral duties. The timing is particularly significant, as preparations for the 2027 General Election must commence soon.
The commission will not only need to handle the pending mini-polls but also lay the groundwork for a credible, transparent, and efficient electoral process leading up to the national elections.
The swearing-in ceremony marks a fresh start for the IEBC, which is tasked with upholding democratic processes and ensuring fair representation across the country.
About Author
