CJ Koome calls for transparency in IEBC recruitment
Chief Justice Martha Koome during a past function in Nairobi.
What you need to know:
- The CJ said the decisions made by the selection panel would not only shape the 2027 elections but the future of Kenya’s democracy.
- “Rise to this occasion with honour, patriotism, and a deep sense of duty. Let this process be a beacon of integrity, setting a standard for all institutions to follow,” she said.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged the nine-member selection panel of Kenya’s polls agency to pick men and women of integrity who will inspire confidence in the electoral system.
Speaking during the swearing-in of seven members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel, Justice Koome on Monday said the future of Kenya’s democracy depends on the integrity of the candidates who will be selected to lead the commission.
“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,” CJ Koome said.
The members who were sworn in at the Supreme Court building were Prof Adams Oloo, Lindah Kiome Gakii, James Evans Misati, Nichodemus Bore, Koki Muli, Andrew Kipkoech Tanui, and Dr Nelson Makanda.
Ms Caroline Kituku and Fatuma Saman were absent during the ceremony.
The CJ said the decisions made by the selection panel would not only shape the 2027 elections, but the future of Kenya’s democracy.
Chief Justice Martha Koome greets Ms Lindah Kiome during the swearing-in of seven members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel on January 27, 2025.
“Rise to this occasion with honour, patriotism, and a deep sense of duty. Let this process be a beacon of integrity, setting a standard for all institutions to follow,” she said.
The panel has 90 days to conclude the process of recruiting the IEBC chairperson and commissioners who will oversee the 2027 general elections as well as review the electoral boundaries.
Justice Koome said the credibility of elections defines the stability of a nation, and that history has shown 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,” she said.
She also called on other actors in the process including Parliament, political actors, civil society, and the public, to ensure that the recruitment of new IEBC Commissioners is conducted with speed, integrity, and transparency.
She lamented that since January 2023, the IEBC has been unable to fully discharge its constitutional mandate, creating significant gaps in our electoral processes.
“The effects of this vacuum have been far-reaching: vital functions such as boundary delimitation, voter registration, and by-elections have been stalled,” she said.
Justice Koome added that even more concerning was that the absence of a duly constituted commission has denied some constituencies and wards their fundamental right to representation in the National Assembly and County Assemblies.
“This is not just an administrative challenge—it is a democratic disruption,” she added.
Banisa has been without a representative in Parliament following the death of MP Kulow Hassan, while Magarini has no MP after Harrison Garama Kombe’s election was nullified last year.
Ugunja equally has no MP following the appointment of Opiyo Wandayi as Energy Cabinet Secretary.
“We cannot, and we must not allow such a situation to persist any longer. The Constitution is clear: governance must be continuous, institutions must function effectively, and the rights of Kenyans must not be held hostage by uncertainty or unnecessary delays” she added.
The CJ said the weight of the task was not just in the selection process the panel will oversee, but in the lasting impact their decisions will have on Kenya’s democracy.
“The integrity, independence, and credibility of the IEBC start with you. Your duty is clear: to identify leaders of unshakable integrity, impartiality, and competence—men and women who will inspire trust in our electoral process and ensure that every Kenyan can participate in free, fair, and transparent elections,” she said.
Present during the ceremony were Chief Registrar of Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya and the principal administrative secretary in the office of President Arthur Osiya.
