Nairobi —The newly appointed leadership of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will officially take the oath of office today at noon in a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Supreme Court.
This comes a day after the High Court cleared the way for the appointments. A three-judge bench dismissed a petition that challenged the nomination of Chairperson Erastus Ethekon Edung and six commissioners: Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah.
The court upheld the legality of the recruitment process but annulled the initial Gazette Notice dated June 10. Judges directed President William Ruto to issue a new notice to comply with existing judicial orders. The corrected gazette was released hours later, clearing the path for the swearing-in.
The new team assumes office at a pivotal moment. Kenya faces several pending by-elections after multiple constituencies and wards were left without representation due to the deaths or resignations of elected officials. By law, the IEBC is required to conduct by-elections within 90 days of a vacancy. The commission had remained non-functional since the exit of its previous members.
With exactly two years remaining before the 2027 General Election, the incoming commissioners are expected to begin preparations immediately.
Legal experts say the swift resolution of the legal challenge and formal appointment ensures constitutional timelines are not disrupted.
The swearing-in ceremony will mark the beginning of a six-year non-renewable term for the new team.
About the Author
