Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for speed, integrity, and transparency in the recruitment process for the new commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the nine-member IEBC selection panel at the Supreme Court on Monday, Koome urged all stakeholders, including Parliament, political actors, civil society, and the public, to ensure that the selection process is conducted efficiently and without delay.
“The Kenyan people expect and deserve nothing less than a process that is swift, transparent, and anchored in integrity,” said Koome. She emphasized that the panel’s responsibilities extend beyond fulfilling legal obligations. It is a solemn duty to safeguard the integrity of Kenya’s democracy, which is fundamentally linked to the credibility of the IEBC.
The Chief Justice warned the selection panel that their decisions would have far-reaching consequences for the country’s democratic health and stability. “The future of Kenya’s democracy depends on the integrity of the men and women you select to lead the IEBC,” she stated. Koome stressed that the commission’s ability to oversee free, fair, and transparent elections is crucial to maintaining national unity. Mismanagement of elections, on the other hand, could pose a serious threat to this unity.
Reflecting on the prolonged crisis that has plagued the IEBC since January 2023, Koome described the situation as more than just an administrative challenge—it is a “democratic disruption.” The absence of commissioners has hindered the IEBC’s ability to function effectively, leaving Kenya in a state of electoral uncertainty. The Chief Justice emphasized that this delay had caused significant frustration, with the country unable to move forward with the necessary electoral reforms.
In light of this, Koome called for the swift resolution of the vacancies, underscoring that the new commissioners must be individuals of impeccable integrity, fully committed to upholding the Constitution. She urged the panel to make their decisions based solely on merit, free from political influence or external pressure.
The Chief Justice also highlighted the judiciary’s commitment to resolving constitutional issues swiftly, ensuring that justice remains the foundation of a just and democratic society. “Justice must never be an obstacle to progress,” she affirmed, reminding the panel of the importance of an independent, well-functioning IEBC that can serve the public interest.
Koome’s call to action is a reminder that the recruitment of the new commissioners will not only affect the upcoming 2027 elections but will shape the future of Kenya’s democratic processes.
