Don't be influenced, Koome tells IEBC selection panel

Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel to remain independent and resist external pressure when selecting new commissioners.

Speaking at the Supreme Court in Nairobi during the swearing-in of two additional panel members on Friday, January 31, Koome stated that public interest must guide the selection process.

"The oath you have taken is a solemn pledge to serve Kenya with unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the Constitution. The decisions you make will shape not just the 2027 elections but the future of our democracy," she said.

Koome also urged institutions and stakeholders involved in the selection process to ensure swift, transparent, and credible recruitment of new commissioners.

She termed the prolonged delay in constituting the electoral body a threat to democracy.

"For two years, Kenya has endured an unacceptable situation—an electoral commission without commissioners. This has hindered the IEBC from fully executing its constitutional mandate, creating significant gaps in our electoral processes," she said.

The Chief Justice reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting constitutional processes from interference.

"Recognising the urgency of this matter, I took responsibility to ensure that all cases affecting or delaying the constitution of the IEBC were prioritised for resolution.”

The selection panel, which is holding its first sitting today, has 90 days to appoint new commissioners, as required by the amended IEBC Act.