NAIROBI, Kenya — The newly appointed Chairperson and six Commissioners of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) are scheduled to be sworn in at midday today at the Supreme Court.
This development follows their re-gazettement, which became necessary after a three-judge bench on Thursday evening dismissed a petition that had challenged the selection and nomination of Erustus Ethekon Edung as Chairperson, and Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah as Commissioners.
However, the judges did quash a previous Gazette Notice, dated June 10, 2025, that had been issued by President William Ruto for the appointment of these seven individuals. They directed that a new Gazette Notice be issued to regularize their appointment. This was done immediately, thereby clearing the path for them to officially take the oath of office.
Also Read: IEBC restores voter verification portal: How to verify your details online ahead of 2027 elections
Chief Justice Martha Koome will preside over the swearing-in ceremony. This new team assumes leadership at a pivotal moment for the nation, with several mini-elections pending and precisely two years remaining until the 2027 General Election.
Numerous constituencies and wards across the country have been without representation due to vacant seats, which arose from various reasons, including the unfortunate deaths of previous office holders.
The IEBC, constitutionally mandated to conduct by-elections to fill such vacant seats within 90 days, had been unable to do so because it was not fully constituted following the exit of the previous commissioners.
