New IEBC Chair Vows Allegiance to Kenyans as Electoral Commission Begins Fresh Chapter

Erastus Ethekon emphasizes constitutional mandate and democratic responsibility following swearing-in ceremony

NAIROBI, Kenya – In a ceremony laden with constitutional significance, newly appointed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon declared his unwavering commitment to the Kenyan people, marking what many hope will be a new era of electoral credibility for the nation.

Speaking at the Supreme Court Buildings on Friday following his oath-taking, Ethekon made a deliberate point of emphasizing where his loyalties lie. “My first and foremost loyalty is to the people of Kenya who hold the sovereign power under Article One of our Constitution,” he stated, immediately setting the tone for his tenure.

The declaration comes at a critical juncture for Kenya’s electoral system. The IEBC has faced significant challenges in recent years, with public confidence shaken by controversies surrounding past elections. Ethekon’s emphasis on constitutional principles appears designed to rebuild that trust from the ground up.

Drawing from international civil rights history, the new chairman invoked the words of late American leader John Lewis, who described voting as “precious, almost sacred” and “the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.” This reference to global democratic values signals an intention to place Kenya’s electoral processes within broader international standards of democratic governance.

Ethekon’s speech revealed a clear understanding of the weight of his office. “The credibility of our elections depends on our collective commitment to the rule of law, fairness and the principle that every Kenyan matters,” he explained, outlining what appears to be his philosophical approach to electoral management.

The appointment process itself has been described as rigorous, with Ethekon acknowledging the various institutions involved. His thanks to President William Ruto, Parliament, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, and the Judiciary suggest a collaborative approach that could help legitimize the commission’s work across different branches of government.

Perhaps most significantly, Ethekon’s promise that Kenyan voices “will not only be heard but will also count during the coming elections” directly addresses one of the most sensitive issues in the country’s electoral history – the perception that votes might not be properly counted or that the electoral process might be manipulated.

The timing of these commitments is crucial. With elections approaching, the IEBC faces the immediate challenge of implementing systems and processes that will deliver on these promises. Ethekon’s invocation of Winston Churchill’s observation that “the price of greatness is responsibility” suggests he understands the magnitude of this challenge.

Working alongside commissioners Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah, Ethekon leads a team that will be closely watched by both Kenyans and the international community.

The real test of these commitments will come in the practical implementation of electoral processes. Ethekon’s emphasis on urgency suggests awareness that time is of the essence in rebuilding institutional credibility. His call for “absolute commitment” indicates recognition that half-measures will not suffice in restoring public confidence.

As Kenya prepares for its next electoral cycle, the words spoken at Friday’s ceremony will be measured against the actions taken in the coming months. For a nation where electoral integrity has been a persistent concern, Ethekon’s pledges represent both hope and expectation that the IEBC can fulfill its constitutional mandate of ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.

The success of this renewed commitment will ultimately be judged not by the eloquence of the promises made, but by the integrity of the electoral processes delivered.