My first loyalty is to Kenyans, pledges new IEBC chair Erastus Edung

The newly appointed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson, Erastus Edung Ethekon, has officially assumed office with a call for support from all stakeholders and Kenyans to help the Commission effectively deliver on its mandate.

Speaking at the Supreme Court after being sworn in alongside the six newly appointed commissioners, Edung emphasised that delivering a credible election is not the sole responsibility of the IEBC but a shared national duty.

While acknowledging the significant task ahead, he assured the public that the Commission will engage all Kenyans in its efforts to deliver a peaceful, credible, and accountable 2027 General Election.

 “ I’m deeply honoured and humbled to take on the role of Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, an institution that is at the very heart of our democracy…My first loyalty is to the people of Kenya…I wish to assure Kenyans that their voices will be heard and count in the coming elections. We urge them to support us in this journey of a shared mandate,” he pledged.

“As we settle down as the new IEBC, I call upon all other institutions, stakeholders to support us and work together with collectively and collaborately to ensure even as we plan for the by lections and the next general election, we deliver on our mandate to ensure peaceful credible and accountable electoral processes” he noted.

Additionally, he pledged to uphold the IEBC code of conduct and operate strictly within the law, highlighting that free and fair elections are the cornerstone of a democratic society.

“ Today marks the beginning of our service to the people of Kenya and we must approach this sacred duty with absolute commitment, guided by the Constitution and the expectations of every Kenyan”, he said even as he paid tribute to his predecessors.

The ceremony, presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome, follows the dismissal of a petition on Thursday evening that challenged the selection and nomination of Edung as Chairperson of the Commission, Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah as Commissioners.

The judges had quashed a Gazette Notice dated June 10, 2025, issued by President William Ruto appointing the seven individuals, and directed that a new Gazette Notice be issued to regularise their appointment, which was done immediately, paving the way for them to take the oath of office.

The new team takes over at a critical time, with several mini polls pending and exactly two years to the 2027 General Election.

Several constituencies and wards have lacked representation after the seats fell vacant due to various reasons, including the deaths of the office holders.

The IEBC, which is mandated to conduct a by-election that must be held to fill the vacant seat within 90 days couldn’t do so because it was not fully constituted after previous commissioners exited office.