Chief Justice Martha Koome on Monday, January 27, 2025, challenged the nine-member Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC) selection panel to pick individuals of untainted credibility to lead the electoral body ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony, the president of the apex court argued that Kenya’s future democracy depends on the people who they will recommend to occupy the offices which were left vacant by the former IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye who exited office on January 17, 2023.
According to the CJ, Kenya’s stability and trust in electoral processes was pegged on the individuals who would sit at the helm of IEBC ahead of the next general election.
“The credibility of elections defines the stability of a nation, and history has shown us that when elections are free, fair, and transparent, our country flourishes. However, when they are mismanaged, the consequences are severe, threatening national unity and public trust.
“This is why your task is of the utmost significance. The future of Kenya’s democracy depends on the integrity of the men and women you select to lead the IEBC. The commissioners you appoint must be individuals of untainted credibility—committed to independence, impartiality, and the principles enshrined in our Constitution,” CJ Koome stated.
Pick on merit alone
Moreover, CJ Koome challenged the nine – Kiome Lindah Gakii, Communication professional Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Ambassador Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda and Fatuma Saman – to pick individuals based on merit.
The head of the Supreme Court maintained the individuals they will pick should be able to inspire public trust in the electoral processes.
“Your guiding principle must be merit, and merit alone. The individuals you select must inspire confidence in the electoral system and uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Kenyans are watching, and the trust they place in our institutions will be determined by the integrity of the choices you make.”
Public interest
She further reminded the selection panel that they must protect the general public interest while executing their mandate.
The CJ detailed that the nine could be persuaded to pick individuals to serve certain vested interests which she warned could have grave repercussions and impact on Kenya’s democracy and stability.
“As a nation, we must remain committed to ensuring that our institutions serve the people, not personal interests. Let us not lose sight of the weight of this moment. The work you embark on today is not just about filling positions—it is about securing the legitimacy of our elections, the stability of our governance, and the future of our democracy.
“You must resist any pressure, influence, or partisan interests that seek to derail this process. Your guiding principle must be the public interest—nothing more, nothing less. The oath you have taken today is a solemn pledge to serve Kenya with unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the Constitution. The decisions you make will shape not just the 2027 elections, but the future of our democracy,” Chief Justice Koome emphasised. By Lutta Njomo, People Daily
