The Chief Justice (CJ), Martha Koome, has sworn in members of the Selection Panel as the Chairperson and Members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The two selected Appointees, Carolene Kituku and Fatuma Saman, took the Oath of Office on Friday as they solemnly swore to obey, respect, and uphold the Constitution of Kenya and all of its laws to the best of their abilities.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony on Friday at the Supreme Court of Kenya, the CJ emphasized the need for the IEBC to serve the Kenyan people with utmost commitment and integrity.
“The responsibility you have assumed is not just a mere formality but a solemn call and pledge to serve the people of Kenya and to safeguard the Constitution,” the CJ said.
Koome cautioned the selected Appointees, to desist from any influence that seeks to compromise the credibility of the process, as IEBC is committed to independence as enshrined in the Constitution.
The CJ called upon all Institutions and stakeholders involved in the IEBC process, political actors, civil society, Parliament, and the General Public, to ensure that the process of the new IEBC Commission, is concluded and conducted with utmost integrity and transparency because Kenyans expect and deserve nothing but the best.
“The IEBC, like all constitutional commissions, must be allowed to function independently, free from political and external interference,” Koome added.
She noted the Nation must remain committed to ensuring the Electoral Institution serves the people and not personal interests for the future of our democracy, adding that the Commission should not choose sides or be partisan.
The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Winfridah Mokaya, reiterated that Article 88 of the Constitution establishes the Independent, Electoral and Boundaries Commission, which is responsible for conducting and supervising elections. She congratulated the selected Appointees on their nominations.
“Under the IEBC Act, the Commission consists of a Chairperson and six members who are selected competitively by a Selection Panel and are appointed by the President with the approval of the National Assembly,” Mokaya highlighted.
By Emmanuel Mbuthia and Winnie Saha
