Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on the newly gazetted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel to uphold integrity and resist any influence that could compromise the credibility of their mandate.
Speaking on Monday, January 27, during the swearing-in ceremony of the panel’s nine members at the Supreme Court buildings in Nairobi, Koome reminded the panel that Kenyans are closely watching their actions and emphasized that the future of the nation’s democracy hinges on the integrity of the IEBC commissioners they select.
The Chief Justice urged the panel to prioritize candidates who embody the values of transparency and accountability, stressing that merit should be the sole guiding principle in their selection process.
"Today you take on a responsibility that will shape the democratic future of our nation. Your oath of office is not a mere formality; it is a pledge of service to the people of Kenya. It demands that you act with unwavering integrity, resisting any influence that seeks to compromise the credibility of this process. 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," Koome remarked.
Read More
At the same time, the Chief Justice called on all institutions and stakeholders involved in the process to ensure that the recruitment of new IEBC commissioners is conducted with speed, integrity and transparency.
Koome further stressed that IEBC must be allowed to work independently without any political or external interference.
"Strong institutions are the bedrock of our democracy. The IEBC, like all constitutional commissions, must be allowed to function independently, free from political or external interference. As a nation, we must remain committed to ensuring that our institutions serve the people, not personal interests," Koome stated.
On Monday, President William Ruto appointed the nine-member IEBC selection panel to conduct the recruitment of new IEBC commissioners.
Those appointed to the panel include Kiome Lindah Gakii, Prof. Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Amb. Koki Muli Grignon, Carolene Kituku, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Nelson Makanda and Fatuma Saman.
