In a rare display of unity, the National Assembly has unanimously approved Erastus Edung Ethekon as the next Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), alongside six newly nominated commissioners.

The approval, delivered during a session on Wednesday evening, sets the stage for the reconstitution of Kenya’s electoral body just 18 months ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The newly approved commissioners are:

• Ann Njeri Nderitu

• Moses Alutalala Mukhwana

• Mary Karen Sorobit

• Hassan Noor Hassan

• Francis Odhiambo Aduol

• Fahima Araphat Abdallah

Their confirmation follows the tabling of a report by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, which vetted President William Ruto’s nominees and recommended their approval.

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A Defining Moment for Kenya’s Electoral Future

While tabling the motion, JLAC Chair George Murugara reminded the nominees of the gravity of their future responsibilities.

“Kenyans are watching,” he said. “If you don't have the spine to conduct fair elections, start growing one now.”

He emphasized the need for a credible, transparent, and verifiable electoral process, warning that anything less would erode public trust.

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Political Jabs and Calls for Unity

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah used the occasion to take a swipe at critics of the appointments, including opposition voices who had raised concerns over Ethekon’s nomination.

“We must respect people not for where they come from, but for what they offer intellectually,” he said.
“Anyone opposing this motion is not just against the IEBC—they are an enemy of the people of Kenya.”

Ichung’wah also dismissed ongoing legal efforts to block the appointments, insisting that judicial interference in the parliamentary process undermines constitutional separation of powers.

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Next Steps: Presidential Appointment Amid Legal Uncertainty

With Parliament’s seal of approval, the names will now be forwarded to President Ruto for formal appointment and gazettement, followed by the official swearing-in ceremony.

However, clouds of uncertainty remain. A High Court order is still in place temporarily halting the gazettement and swearing-in, pending the outcome of a constitutional petition challenging the selection process.

Despite this, MPs have stood their ground, arguing that the judiciary should not interfere in legislative duties.

“Anyone in the judiciary trying to block the IEBC formation is acting against national interest,” Ichung’wah asserted.

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As Kenya inches closer to the next electoral cycle, the swift reconstitution of the IEBC marks a major milestone—but one that may still face legal and political headwinds in the days to come.