CJ Koome to New IEBC: Uphold integrity, restore electoral trust

Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court, Martha Koome, has issued a heartfelt charge to the newly sworn-in Chairperson and Commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), urging them to rise above political interests and ensure peaceful, transparent, and credible elections that reflect the will of the Kenyan people.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Koome reiterated that the IEBC is not merely a constitutional body but a guardian of Kenya’s democracy—one whose decisions and actions directly impact national unity, political legitimacy, and public trust in governance.

“Your responsibility is clear: every decision, action, and process must adhere strictly to the constitutional principles of free, fair, transparent, and accountable elections,” said the Chief Justice.

The primary task of the new commission is the 2027 General Elections, and the Chief Justice made it clear that “the stakes could not be higher.” She called on the agency, led by Erastus Edung Ethekon, to rise to the occasion.

“The people of Kenya are watching. They expect a Commission that will deliver an electoral process that is peaceful, credible, transparent, and verifiable. This is your constitutional mandate and your historic responsibility,” she stated.

Lessons from the past

The Chief Justice also reminded the commissioners of Kenya’s troubled electoral history, marked by disputed results, violence, loss of life, and widespread public disillusionment. Koome highlighted that this painful legacy prompted the framers of the 2010 Constitution to establish strong institutional safeguards, such as the IEBC, to protect the integrity of the electoral process.

She urged the commissioners to grasp the weight of their constitutional role and the grave consequences of failure, both for individual citizens and the nation as a whole.

“Let the first word in your name—Independent—be your constant guide, especially when faced with pressure or interference,” remarked the Chief Justice.

Erosion of public trust

CJ Koome warned that public trust in state institutions is at an all-time low, with a growing perception that many public agencies have become disconnected from the citizens they serve. She described this trust deficit as a dangerous breach that threatens the very foundations of Kenya’s democracy and social cohesion.

“This is a season for rebuilding—for repairing the breach. In the Judiciary, we have accepted this challenge. Now, more than ever, the IEBC must earn the people’s trust through integrity, impartiality, and efficiency.”

She urged the new commissioners to demonstrate their independence and professionalism, reminding them that trust cannot be legislated but must be earned through consistent and principled conduct.

The Chief Justice further emphasized that the oath they had just taken is a solemn covenant, binding them to the Constitution and the people of Kenya.

“The rights enshrined in our Constitution are not the preserve of a few—they belong to every Kenyan,” she reiterated. “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. All of us, regardless of rank or office, hold just one vote.”

Koome urged those privileged to serve in public office to do so with humility, grace, and a deep sense of responsibility, stating, “If something is broken in our systems, we must confront and fix it—however difficult that may be.”

She assured the new team of the Judiciary’s continued commitment to upholding the rule of law and called on the IEBC to play its part in safeguarding Kenya’s democratic journey.

“May you serve the people of Kenya with honour, wisdom, and courage,” she said