Chief Justice Martha Koome has underscored the importance of merit and integrity in the selection of new commissioners for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Addressing the IEBC selection panel during the swearing-in of Fatuma Saman and Carolene Kituku on Friday, Koome emphasized that the integrity of the process and the individuals chosen will shape Kenya’s democracy and the future of its electoral system.
Koome highlighted that the IEBC plays a crucial role in maintaining the country’s electoral integrity, noting that it is not just another government agency but a cornerstone of the nation’s democracy. The chief justice stressed that the panel must appoint individuals of untainted credibility, committed to independence, impartiality, and the principles enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution.
“The commissioners you appoint must inspire confidence in the electoral system,” Koome stated, reiterating that the country’s democracy hinges on the credibility of its elections. She further emphasized that free, fair, and transparent elections have historically been a key driver of national prosperity, while mismanaged elections can have severe consequences, undermining public trust and national unity.
Koome called on all stakeholders including Parliament, political actors, civil society, and the public to ensure that the process is conducted swiftly, transparently, and with integrity. She reminded the selection panel that their duty is not only to appoint qualified individuals but to do so in a manner that upholds the public interest.
The CJ also pointed out that the oath of office taken by the panel members was not a mere formality but a solemn pledge to serve the people of Kenya with unwavering commitment. She urged Saman and Kituku to resist any pressure, partisan influence, or external forces that might compromise the integrity of the recruitment process.
“The weight of this task is not just in the selection process you will oversee, but in the lasting impact your decisions will have on Kenya’s democracy,” Koome concluded. She stressed that the future of the country’s electoral system and the trust placed in its institutions would be determined by the choices made by the panel.
Koome’s remarks serve as a timely reminder of the gravity of the task before the selection panel as they work to appoint new leaders for the IEBC, who must embody the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and competence to safeguard the electoral process for the 2027 elections and beyond.
