- Erastus Edung Ethekon was officially sworn in as IEBC Chairperson
- Six new commissioners also took oath at the Supreme Court on July 11
- Ethekon pledged to uphold the Constitution and serve without bias
- The high Court upheld the appointments but ordered a fresh gazette notice
- Ceremony marks the beginning of a new era for Kenya’s electoral body
Erastus Edung Ethekon has officially assumed the role of Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following a swearing-in ceremony held on Friday, July 11, at the Supreme Court.
In his oath, Ethekon committed to serving the country with honesty, fairness, and dedication, promising to uphold the Constitution and carry out his duties without fear or favour.
The ceremony also saw the swearing-in of six new commissioners to join Ethekon in the Electoral Commission. The new team includes: Ann Njeri NderituMoses Alutalala MukhwanaMary Karen SorobitHassan Noor HassanFrancis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah
The swearing-in came just a day after the High Court upheld their appointments, dismissing a legal challenge that questioned the recruitment process. The court ruled that the selection was done in line with constitutional standards.
However, the judges nullified the gazette notice that had been issued by President William Ruto, citing it violated an existing court order. As a result, the president was directed to publish a new gazette notice to regularise the process.
With the swearing-in now complete, attention turns to the commission’s next steps, including preparing for upcoming by-elections and initiating electoral reforms. Ethekon’s leadership will be closely watched as Kenyans hope for restored public trust in the IEBC.
