- Erastus Ethekon sworn in as IEBC Chair, vows to uphold free and credible elections
- Urges Kenyans to protect democracy and engage peacefully
- Warns of misinformation, calls for truthful reporting
- Says credible polls are a shared duty, not IEBC’s alone
- Thanks, Judiciary and Parliament, for the swift appointment process
Erastus Ethekon officially took over as the new Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) during a ceremony at the Supreme Court. Flanked by six freshly appointed commissioners, he pledged to lead the team with integrity, urgency, and truth as the country heads into a critical election season.
Ethekon called on all Kenyans to use their votes wisely, saying democracy is anchored on free and fair elections. He stressed that the IEBC must protect every vote, but it’s the people who hold the ultimate power.
“My first loyalty is to the People of Kenya,” he said. “We must build a peaceful and secure democracy together.”
The new IEBC boss did not shy away from acknowledging the challenges ahead, particularly the spread of fake news and disinformation. He urged media outlets to play their role in educating the public with accurate and verified information.
“We must partner with media to stop false narratives before they tear us apart,” he warned.
While reminding Kenyans that IEBC has a big role to play, Ethekon emphasised that credible elections require the support of all, including political leaders, voters, civil society, and media.
“A fair election is not just IEBC’s mandate, it’s a shared duty,” he noted.
Ethekon will lead a team made up of Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah. He thanked the President, Parliament, and Judiciary for overseeing a thorough appointment process.
“This is the start of our service to Kenyans. We must carry it with full commitment,” he said.
To conclude, Ethekon quoted Winston Churchill, saying: “The price of greatness is responsibility.”
And with that, he reminded the nation that the future of Kenya’s democracy lies in the hands of both the electoral body and the people themselves.
