Home » Seven Appointed Members of IEBC Selection Panel Take Oath of Office

Seven Appointed Members of IEBC Selection Panel Take Oath of Office

By Orenge Wycliff

CJ Martha Koome swore in the 7 members of the Selection Committee

On Monday, seven appointed members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel took their oath of office in a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Supreme Court of Kenya. The new panel members—Kiome Lindah Gakii, Prof. Oloo Adams, James Evans Misati, Nicodemus Kipchirchir Bore, Amb. Koki Muli Grignon, Tanui Andrew Kipkoech, Dr. Nelson Makanda—have been tasked with the critical responsibility of recruiting nominees for the appointment of the Chairperson and Commissioners of the IEBC.

In her remarks, Chief Justice Koome congratulated the panel members on their appointments and emphasized the gravity of the responsibility they were assuming. She noted that their work is not only a legal obligation but also a significant call to serve the people of Kenya and protect the integrity of the country’s democracy.

“The oath you take demands unwavering integrity,” Chief Justice Koome said, highlighting the importance of resisting any influence that might compromise the credibility of the selection process. She further stressed that merit should be the guiding principle in the recruitment of new IEBC leaders. “You must ensure that only individuals of untainted integrity, capable of leading with impartiality, independence, and adherence to the Constitution, are appointed to the IEBC,” she urged.

Chief Justice Koome went on to remind the panel that the strength of Kenya’s democracy is directly tied to the credibility of its elections. She explained that a free, fair, and transparent electoral process plays a key role in the stability of the nation. “The future of Kenya’s democracy depends on the integrity of the men and women you select to lead the IEBC,” she said. “The composition of the IEBC must reflect the highest standards of professionalism, competence, and credibility.”

She highlighted the immense responsibility vested in the IEBC as the custodian of electoral integrity in the country. The Commission’s leadership must be of the highest caliber to inspire public trust, safeguard the country’s electoral process, and ensure that elections are managed without compromise. “When elections are mismanaged, the consequences are severe,” she added, noting that such mismanagement undermines national unity and erodes public confidence in the system.

The Chief Justice also reflected on the unfortunate and ongoing situation Kenya has faced over the past two years, where the country has lacked a fully constituted Electoral Commission. Since January 2023, the IEBC has been unable to fully discharge its constitutional mandate due to the absence of commissioners. This gap has affected crucial aspects of the electoral process, including boundary delimitation, voter registration, and the organization of by-elections, as well as hindering representation in both the National Assembly and County Assemblies.

“The Constitution mandates that governance must be continuous, and that institutions should function effectively without unnecessary delays. The rights of Kenyans must not be held hostage by uncertainty,” Chief Justice Koome emphasized. She affirmed the Judiciary’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring that constitutional processes are not manipulated or obstructed, and protecting the independence of the electoral process from undue influence.

She further cautioned that while every Kenyan has the right to seek legal redress on matters of constitutional significance, such legal challenges should not be weaponized to stall governance or further narrow political interests at the expense of the public good. “I have personally ensured that cases impacting the constitution of the IEBC have been prioritized for resolution,” she stated. “Justice should not be an obstacle to progress but the very foundation of a just and democratic society.”

Chief Justice Koome also urged all institutions and stakeholders involved in the electoral process—including Parliament, political actors, civil society, and the public—to ensure that the recruitment of the new IEBC Commissioners is carried out swiftly, transparently, and with the utmost integrity. “The people of Kenya expect and deserve nothing less,” she said, reiterating that strong institutions are the bedrock of Kenya’s democracy. She emphasized that the IEBC, like all constitutional commissions, must be allowed to function independently, free from political or external interference.

Addressing the selection panel directly, Koome reminded the members that they were not merely filling vacant positions but were entrusted with securing the legitimacy of the country’s elections, governance stability, and the future of Kenya’s democracy. “The integrity, independence, and credibility of the IEBC begin with you,” she emphasized. “Your duty is clear: to select leaders of unshakable integrity, impartiality, and competence—individuals who will inspire trust in the electoral process and ensure that every Kenyan can participate in free, fair, and transparent elections.”

The Chief Justice also urged the panel members to resist any external pressures, partisan influences, or conflicts of interest that could derail the selection process. She reminded them that their guiding principle should always be the public interest.

In his remarks, the Principal Administrative Secretary (PAS), Mr. Arthur Osiya, congratulated the newly appointed panel members, recognizing the significance of their role in ensuring the credibility of Kenya’s electoral process. Osiya emphasized the importance of undertaking the mandate with efficiency and precision, given the deep national attachment to general elections in Kenya. He noted that Kenya is a highly scrutinized nation, and the selection panel’s work would be under close observation by both domestic and international stakeholders. “Your focus should be on the highest possible standards,” Osiya advised the panel members.

He further highlighted that the recruitment of the new IEBC Commissioners would have far-reaching implications for the country, urging the panel to strive for satisfactory results that would put the country’s interests above all else. Osiya also expressed his gratitude to Chief Justice Koome for fostering efficient collaboration between the three arms of government—the Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature—in furthering the government’s agenda.

In conclusion, Chief Justice Koome reminded the selection panel that the legitimacy of the entire electoral process would depend on the choices they make. She urged them to proceed with diligence, transparency, and a commitment to the values that define Kenya’s democracy. As the nation looks to the future, the decisions made by this panel will play a pivotal role in shaping the electoral landscape, ensuring that the upcoming elections are conducted in a manner that upholds the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution.


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