The High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the appointment of the new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners, clearing the way for their swearing-in.
In a ruling delivered earlier today, the court found no conflict of interest in the selection process despite concerns raised over the composition of the selection panel. A previous petition had sought to bar Prof. Adams Oloo from sitting on the panel, citing his role as an advisor to President William Ruto. However, the court ruled that his involvement did not undermine the integrity of the process.
While upholding the appointments, the court quashed the Gazette notice that had formalized the commissioners’ appointments, stating it was issued in violation of existing court orders. The court noted that this procedural breach could be rectified by issuing a fresh Gazette notice, after which the commissioners can be sworn into office.
Those appointed include Erastus Edung Ethekon as Chairperson, alongside commissioners Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Arafat Abdallah.
The decision marks a critical step in reconstituting the electoral body, which has been operating without commissioners for months, and is seen as a move to restore public confidence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
