Newly sworn-in Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has pledged his utmost loyalty to the people of Kenya, vowing to uphold their sovereign power and restore trust in the country’s electoral process.
Speaking after taking his oath of office at the Supreme Court Buildings on Friday, Ethekon stated that his foremost allegiance is to the Kenyan citizens, who he said hold the sovereign power under Article One of the Constitution.
“My first and foremost loyalty is to the people of Kenya who hold the sovereign power under Article One of our Constitution,” Ethekon said. “I wish to assure Kenyans that their voices will not only be heard but will also count during the coming elections.”
Quoting the late American civil rights leader John Lewis, Ethekon emphasized the sacredness of voting rights, calling the vote “the most powerful nonviolent tool” for democratic transformation. He urged Kenyans to use this right to build a peaceful and stable democracy.
Ethekon outlined the IEBC’s constitutional mandate under Article 88, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. He stressed that credibility hinges on adherence to the rule of law, fairness, and valuing every Kenyan equally.
Acknowledging the rigorous and, at times, difficult journey to his appointment, Ethekon thanked President William Ruto, Parliament, the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, and the Judiciary for facilitating the process. He also commended the Judiciary for expediting the legal processes that affirmed the legality of his appointment.
“Today marks the beginning of our service to the people of Kenya. We must approach this sacred duty with urgency, integrity, and absolute commitment,” he noted.
Ethekon concluded by quoting Winston Churchill: “The price of greatness is responsibility,” adding that this responsibility now rests with the IEBC and the citizens alike.
He will be working alongside new commissioners Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah, as the commission prepares for upcoming electoral cycles amid heightened public scrutiny.
