'Serve Kenyans with grace and honour': CJ Koome tells new IEBC Chair, Commissioners

Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged the newly sworn-in Chairperson and Commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to carry out their mandate with integrity, independence, and commitment to constitutionalism as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.

Speaking at the Supreme Court buildings during the swearing-in ceremony, which followed a court decision dismissing a petition challenging the appointments, CJ Koome emphasized the immense responsibility now placed on the Commission’s leadership.

“Today marks the beginning of a great public duty—one that demands not just competence and courage, but also an unwavering commitment to constitutionalism, impartiality, and the democratic aspirations of the Kenyan people,” said Koome.

She described the ceremony not as a mere legal formality, but as the symbolic transfer of trust from the people of Kenya to the IEBC. She reminded the new officials that they now hold the solemn duty of safeguarding one of the Constitution’s most sacred rights—every Kenyan’s right to participate in free, fair, and credible elections, as enshrined in Article 38.

“In you now resides the solemn responsibility to protect this right,” she said.

CJ Koome noted that the conclusion of the 2022 General Election left a vacuum at the IEBC, which stalled crucial electoral functions and by-elections. She challenged the newly constituted team to hit the ground running.

“Now that the Commission has been reconstituted, it is imperative that you move with speed to undertake the critical constitutional and administrative functions that have remained in abeyance, and to begin in earnest and timely preparations for the 2027 General Elections,” she said.

Koome also acknowledged the heightened expectations from Kenyans amid a national climate calling for greater transparency, accountability, and justice. She said this context lends even more urgency and weight to the Commission’s mandate.

“It is against this backdrop that your mandate acquires even greater significance,” she remarked.

Highlighting the IEBC’s role as the custodian of Kenya’s democratic process, the Chief Justice urged the Commissioners to embrace their responsibility with humility and efficiency. She called on them to act decisively in addressing institutional weaknesses.

“Whatever you will find not working or not serving Kenyans properly at the IEBC—you must confront it and fix it. That is the reason you have been entrusted with this mandate,” she said, adding that every action must also consider the implications on national security.

She further emphasized the importance of the Commission maintaining its independence and neutrality, warning against any external attempts to interfere with its decision-making.

“May the first prefix of your name—‘Independent’—always sound a clear tone. Stand firm in your independence, especially if anyone or any institution attempts to interfere,” said Koome.

She called on the Commission to remain impartial, efficient, professional, and transparent, ensuring that every decision and process aligns with constitutional principles.

“You must ensure that every decision, every action, every process you preside over strictly adheres to the Constitution,” she said.

In closing, the Chief Justice reminded the new IEBC leadership that democracy is not sustained by laws or institutions alone, but by the trust and participation of the people.

“May you also serve Kenyans with grace and honor,” she concluded.