'Your vote will count': Ethekon promises credible polls as IEBC takes charge

IEBC chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, before the selection panel on March 25, 2025. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon has pledged free and fair elections as he took office on Friday, ending a two-year leadership gap.

 Speaking at the Supreme Court buildings, Ethekon said the commission would organise twenty-two pending by-elections before the 2027 general election, adding that voters' choices would be respected.

 “My first and foremost loyalty is to the people of Kenya who hold sovereign power under Article 1 of our constitution. I wish to assure Kenyans that their voices will not only be heard but will count during the coming elections,” said Ethekon.

 “A credible election is not the responsibility of IEBC alone; it is a national responsibility. I therefore urge all stakeholders to work with us for the coming elections to ensure peaceful, transparent and accountable electoral processes,” he added.

 Six commissioners were also sworn in, making the IEBC fully constituted for the first time in more than two years. They include former Registrar of Political Parties (RPP) Anne Nderitu, Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Aduol and Fahima Abdallah.

 Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome urged the new commissioners to uphold integrity and independence, noting frustrations many young Kenyans have expressed with public institutions.

 “You are taking office when our nation is undergoing a period of great reckoning, a moment when Kenyans, especially our young people, are expressing discontent, frustrations with public institutions,” said Koome, adding, “The cry from every corner of our nation is for integrity.”

 “May the first prefix of your name, Independent, always sound a clear tone all the time, especially if there will be a time when anybody, or any institution, will attempt to interfere with your decision-making independence,” said Koome.

 Koome observed that the delayed recruitment of commissioners had denied sections of Kenyans representation due to the postponed by-elections. She noted the IEBC’s independence was crucial for supervising elections and granting legitimacy to elected leaders, including the president.

 

The seven commissioners will serve a single non-renewable six-year term. Their immediate tasks include overseeing the long-overdue delimitation of electoral boundaries and preparing for the 2027 general election.

 Attorney General  Dorcas Oduor, Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Fridah Mokaya and IEBC Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein Marjan attended the ceremony.