A total of 12 European Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Kenya, led by the British High Commission, have affirmed support for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The Ambassadors, in a statement on July 15, 2025, welcomed the appointment of the new IEBC chairperson and commissioners who were sworn into office last week.
According to the joint statement, the IEBC plays a foundational role in safeguarding the integrity of Kenya’s electoral processes and ensuring public confidence in democratic outcomes.
“As Kenya’s longstanding partners and fellow democracies, we affirm the critical role independent institutions play in upholding the provisions of Kenya’s constitution, particularly those guaranteeing free, fair, and credible elections,” read part of the statement.
“We trust the new commissioners will carry out their mandate with impartiality, transparency, and professionalism in service to all Kenyans.”
Also Read: Court Nullifies Notice on Appointment of IEBC Commissioners
European Ambassadors and High Commissioners’ statement on IEBC
The envoys have encouraged the National Assembly and National Treasury to provide the IEBC with timely and sufficient budgetary support, pointing out that it is essential to its effective and independent operation.
“We also urge relevant institutions to take the necessary steps to ensure all eligible citizens can register as voters and participate in the electoral process. We stand ready, working in partnership, to further strengthen electoral systems and bolster public trust in Kenya’s democratic institutions,” the statement adds.
This comes after new IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, alongside six other commissioners, were on Friday last week sworn into office to serve a six-year term, at an event held at the Supreme Court Buildings.
The other commissioners are Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah, Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, and Francis Odhiambo Aduol.
The swearing-in ceremony, which was presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome, paved the way for the seven to formally assume their IEBC roles.
It came after President Ruto, in two gazette notices dated July 10, 2025, formally regularized the commission’s appointments process following a recent High Court ruling.
Chairperson Ethekon, in his maiden speech, said he is honoured by the trust placed in him to lead the commission, which is vital to the country’s democracy.
He stated that free, fair, and credible elections are the cornerstone of democracy.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to my fellow commissioners. I know the journey has been demanding, but however difficult it may have been, it was simply preparing us for the greater responsibilities that lie ahead. Today marks the beginning of our service to Kenya. We must be guided by our Constitution and the expectations of Kenyans,” he said.
CJ Koome’s message to the new Chair, Commissioners
CJ Koome, while emphasizing the immense responsibility now placed on the IEBC leadership, urged the newly sworn-in team to carry out their mandate with integrity, independence, and commitment to constitutionalism as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Also Read: Matiang’i Sends Warning to IEBC Chairperson and Commissioners
She described the ceremony not as a mere legal formality, but as the symbolic transfer of trust from the people of Kenya to the IEBC, further reminding the new officials that they now hold the solemn duty of safeguarding one of the Constitution’s most sacred rights—every Kenyan’s right to participate in free, fair, and credible elections, as enshrined in Article 38.
“Today marks the beginning of a great public duty—one that demands not just competence and courage, but also an unwavering commitment to constitutionalism, impartiality, and the democratic aspirations of the Kenyan people,” said Koome.
“In you now resides the solemn responsibility to protect this right.”
The Chief Justice also acknowledged the heightened expectations from Kenyans amid a national climate calling for greater transparency, accountability, and justice, highlighting that this context lends even more urgency and weight to the IEBC’s mandate.
Highlighting the IEBC’s role as the custodian of Kenya’s democratic process, Koome urged the Commissioners to embrace their responsibility with humility and efficiency, calling on them to act decisively in addressing institutional weaknesses.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
