Chief Justice Martha Koome has issued a stern and impassioned call to the nine members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the critical process of appointing new commissioners.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the panel at the Supreme Court Building on Monday, she underscored the pivotal role the IEBC plays in safeguarding Kenya’s democracy and emphasized the urgency of completing the recruitment process promptly.
“Today, I urge all institutions and stakeholders involved in this process—Parliament, political actors, civil society, and the public—to ensure that the recruitment of new IEBC commissioners is conducted with speed, integrity, and transparency. The Kenyan people expect and deserve nothing less,” said Koome.
Her remarks come at a time when the IEBC has been unable to function properly since January 2023 due to a lack of commissioners. This prolonged vacancy has left a void in one of the country’s most critical institutions, raising concerns about the preparedness for the next general elections in 2027 and the broader implications for Kenya’s democratic stability.
Koome did not mince words as she addressed the magnitude of the task ahead for the panel. She reminded the members that their duty transcends legal obligations; it is a solemn responsibility to protect the democratic fabric of the nation.
She highlighted that the credibility of the IEBC is foundational to the health of Kenya’s democracy. In her view, when elections are free, fair, and transparent, the country thrives. Conversely, when electoral processes are mishandled, they risk destabilizing the nation, eroding trust in governance, and undermining national unity.
“The future of Kenya’s democracy depends on the integrity of the men and women you select to lead the IEBC,” she said, urging the panel to prioritize candidates of untainted credibility who are committed to upholding the Constitution.
Koome also warned that their actions would have long-lasting implications for the credibility of Kenya’s 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.”
The Chief Justice lamented the “unacceptable situation” the country has faced for nearly two years—a dysfunctional electoral commission unable to carry out its mandate due to the lack of commissioners.
“This is not just an administrative challenge—it is a democratic disruption,” she said, emphasizing that the prolonged vacancies have jeopardized the IEBC’s ability to serve as an impartial referee in elections.
Koome pointed out that the inability to fill these crucial positions reflects poorly on Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its institutions. Her message to the panel was clear: this process is about more than appointing commissioners; it is about restoring public trust in the IEBC and, by extension, the democratic system.
The Chief Justice was unequivocal in her call for independence in the selection process. She urged the panel to resist external pressures, including political interference, and base their decisions purely on merit.
“The IEBC must be allowed to function independently, free from political or external interference,” she stated.
Koome’s emphasis on independence is particularly significant given Kenya’s history of contentious elections and allegations of political meddling in the electoral process. Her warning served as a reminder of the high stakes involved in the selection process and the need for the panel to act as impartial guardians of democracy.
She also emphasized the importance of accountability, urging the panel to keep the public interest at the forefront of their decisions. “Let this process be a beacon of integrity, setting a standard for all institutions to follow,” she said.
In addition to her guidance to the selection panel, Koome reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting constitutional processes. She highlighted the proactive steps the judiciary has taken to expedite the resolution of cases related to the IEBC’s constitution.
“Justice must never be an obstacle to progress; it must be the very foundation upon which a just and democratic society is built,” she asserted.
Her remarks underscored the judiciary’s role as a cornerstone of democracy, ensuring that legal processes are not only followed but also serve the greater good of the nation.
Koome made it clear that the impact of the selection panel’s work would extend far beyond the next general election. “The decisions you make today will shape the future of Kenya’s democratic practices,” she said.
Her words serve as a stark reminder that the stakes in this process are extraordinarily high. A credible and well-functioning IEBC is essential not only for the 2027 elections but also for maintaining Kenya’s democratic trajectory.
The Chief Justice’s appeal also highlighted the interconnectedness of strong institutions and public trust. In her view, the IEBC’s ability to operate effectively and independently is vital for fostering unity and confidence in governance.
Koome concluded her address with a rallying cry for integrity and transparency. She challenged the panel to rise to the occasion and set a new standard for institutional accountability.
“Let this process be a beacon of integrity, setting a standard for all institutions to follow,” she said, urging the panel to conduct their work in a manner that inspires confidence in the electoral system.
Her words resonated as a powerful reminder that the strength of Kenya’s democracy depends not only on the laws and systems in place but also on the integrity of those entrusted to uphold them.
Chief Justice Martha Koome’s address to the IEBC selection panel was both a call to action and a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in their work. With Kenya’s democratic future hanging in the balance, the selection process for new IEBC commissioners presents a rare opportunity to restore public trust and strengthen the country’s electoral system.
As the panel embarks on this critical task, they carry with them the hopes and expectations of a nation. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the promise of a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive electoral process offers a beacon of hope for Kenya’s democratic future.
