The newly sworn in Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has pledged his full loyalty to Kenyans as he begins his term at the electoral body.

Speaking on Friday after taking oath of office at the Supreme Court, Ethekon said that his foremost duty is to serve the citizens, who hold sovereign power as outlined in 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, which allows them to exercise that power including the right to vote,” Said Ethekon

Ethekon said that during his tenure, he will ensure that Kenyans’ voices are not only heard but also respected, especially when they make choices about their leaders.
“Free, fair, and credible elections are the cornerstone of our democratic society. The IEBC is entrusted with the solemn responsibility of ensuring that every citizen’s voice is not only heard, but honoured,” he said.

At the same time, Ethekon said it is the responsibility of all Kenyans and every institution to ensure that elections are always free, fair, and credible. “A credible election is not the responsibility of the IEBC alone; it is a national responsibility,” he said, while calling on every Kenyan to show up and show out in support of the commission.

He asked fellow commissioners to adhere to the law while discharging their mandate, ”today marks the beginning of our service to the people of Kenya and we must approach this sacred duty with absolute commitment guided by the Constitution and the expectations of every Kenyan.” he said

Ethekon was sworn in alongside six other new commissioners including Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah.