IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon addressed the nation with a firm commitment to fairness and transparency as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission prepares to oversee by-elections and the upcoming 2027 general elections. Speaking during an induction retreat for the newly constituted commission in Mombasa on Saturday, July 19, 2025, Ethekon outlined a vision rooted in upholding the rule of law and ensuring inclusivity across all electoral processes. His remarks, delivered to a room of commissioners and stakeholders, came at a critical juncture as the commission seeks to rebuild public trust following years of contention. “I want to reaffirm my personal commitment and that of my team to lead with transparency, fairness, and courage,” he said, his voice carrying a sense of resolve as attendees nodded in agreement.
The assurance follows a period of uncertainty after the commission’s reconstitution earlier this month, with Ethekon and six commissioners sworn in to serve six-year terms. The retreat, held at a coastal hotel, provided a platform for the new team to align on strategies, with Ethekon emphasizing the importance of legal adherence and broad participation. “We will champion inclusivity and pursue innovation wherever possible,” he added, gesturing toward a whiteboard filled with planning notes. The pledge resonated with local leaders present, who saw it as a step toward stabilizing Kenya’s democratic framework ahead of the 2027 polls. A community elder from Mombasa, attending as an observer, remarked, “This gives us hope that every vote will matter.”
The political landscape has been abuzz with reactions, particularly after a segment of the political class expressed confidence in the commission’s new direction. On Thursday, July 17, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi urged the IEBC to plan meticulously to avoid chaos stemming from public distrust. “Make sure you work with all stakeholders to build confidence among Kenyans; without it, you risk chaos,” he advised during a public address in Nairobi, his tone reflecting both caution and encouragement. Muturi’s comments echoed a broader sentiment that the commission must remain impartial, a call reinforced by other leaders who warned against its use for selfish political interests. “We trust this team, but they must not be tools for any side,” said a youth leader from Nakuru, addressing a small gathering outside the retreat venue.
Ethekon’s leadership comes at a time when the IEBC faces the immediate task of conducting 22 pending by-elections, a responsibility he acknowledged with a sense of urgency. The commission’s roadmap, still in its early stages, includes consultations with political parties, civil society, and citizens to ensure a smooth process. “Our first loyalty is to the people of Kenya; we will listen and act accordingly,” he told reporters after the session, standing beside a table strewn with documents. The by-elections, triggered by resignations and court rulings, span parliamentary, senatorial, and ward levels, presenting a test of the commission’s efficiency and credibility. A voter from Kisumu, awaiting a local by-election, expressed cautious optimism. “If they deliver fairly, I’ll believe in them,” she said, adjusting her shawl as she watched the news on a shop television.
The 2027 general election looms large, with Ethekon’s assurances aimed at addressing past criticisms of electoral integrity. The commission’s previous iterations faced accusations of bias and mismanagement, particularly during the 2022 polls, which left a legacy of skepticism. Ethekon, a 48-year-old lawyer with over two decades of experience, brings a background in governance and human rights, credentials that some see as a foundation for reform. “His track record suggests he understands fairness,” noted a Nairobi-based analyst during a break in the retreat, sipping tea with colleagues. The chairperson’s emphasis on innovation hints at potential technological upgrades, such as enhanced voter registration systems, though details remain under discussion.
Inclusivity emerged as a key theme, with Ethekon pledging to engage marginalized communities often overlooked in past elections. During the retreat, he highlighted plans to hold forums in rural areas like Turkana and Marsabit, where voter turnout has historically been low. “Every Kenyan must have a voice, regardless of where they live,” he said, addressing a group of commissioners reviewing logistics. A teacher from Garissa, representing a local education board, welcomed the focus. “Our people need to feel included; this could change things,” she said, sharing her thoughts with others waiting to speak. The commitment aligns with constitutional mandates, though implementation will require overcoming logistical challenges in remote regions.
Political reactions varied, with some leaders praising the commission’s intent while others remained wary. A senator from Eldoret, speaking at a constituency meeting, lauded Ethekon’s approach. “This is a chance to restore faith in our democracy,” he told his audience, who responded with applause. Conversely, an opposition figure in Kisii cautioned against overconfidence. “Words are easy; we’ll judge by actions,” he said, addressing supporters at a roadside rally. The tension reflects a polarized political climate, with the 2027 election already shaping as a battleground for competing visions. Ethekon’s team, including commissioners with diverse regional backgrounds, aims to bridge these divides through dialogue.
The retreat itself was a hive of activity, with sessions on voter education, boundary delimitation, and election funding. Ethekon stressed the need for teamwork, encouraging commissioners to collaborate across their areas of expertise. “We succeed or fail together,” he told the group, pointing to a chart outlining timelines. The commission’s budget, a perennial concern, was also on the agenda, with plans to seek timely funding from the Treasury to avoid past delays. A civil society representative from Nairobi, present at the discussions, noted, “Funding is critical; without it, promises fall apart.” The sentiment underscored the practical hurdles ahead.
Public response filtered through markets and homes as the news spread. In Thika, a shopkeeper tuning into a radio broadcast remarked, “If they’re fair, I’ll vote next time.” In Mombasa, a fisherman mending nets added, “We need elections we can trust.” The assurance came amid growing youth engagement, with many recalling the 2024 protests that demanded accountability. A student in Nakuru, scrolling through updates on his phone, said, “We’ll hold them to this; no more rigging.” The sentiment highlighted a generation eager to see tangible change, with Ethekon’s leadership under scrutiny.
The commission’s composition, finalized after a rigorous selection process, includes individuals from various regions, a move seen as a step toward inclusivity. Ethekon’s swearing-in, overseen by Chief Justice Martha Koome, marked the end of a two-year leadership vacuum, a period that had stalled electoral preparations. “This team has a chance to start fresh,” said a woman selling vegetables near the retreat venue, her cart surrounded by curious onlookers. The chairperson’s call for national responsibility echoed Koome’s earlier urging to “fix what’s broken,” setting a tone of shared duty.
Challenges loom, including misinformation and logistical constraints. Ethekon acknowledged these during a Q&A session, promising collaboration with media to counter fake news. “We’ll work with you to keep information clear,” he told journalists, who nodded as they jotted down notes. The commission also faces pressure to delimit electoral boundaries, a task delayed since the last census. A community leader in Kitui emphasized the stakes. “Fair boundaries mean fair representation; they can’t delay,” he said, addressing a local meeting. The issue remains a potential flashpoint as 2027 nears.
As the retreat concluded, Ethekon met with stakeholders to outline next steps, including public forums and voter registration drives. The afternoon sun cast long shadows over the hotel grounds as participants dispersed, their conversations lingering on the day’s commitments. A youth organizer from Eldoret, planning a follow-up event, reflected, “This is a start, but we’ll watch closely.” The assurance of fairness and transparency offered a glimmer of hope, its success hinging on the commission’s ability to deliver. Across Kenya, from coastal towns to inland villages, citizens awaited the proof of Ethekon’s words, their trust in the electoral process hanging in the balance.
