Passaris hails gazette notice formalizing IEBC appointments as boost to electoral justice
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has welcomed the formal appointment of the new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson and Commissioners, calling it a significant milestone for Kenya’s democracy and a step forward in restoring public trust in the country’s electoral system.
In a statement issued in the wee hours of Friday, July 11, 2025, shortly after President William Ruto published a Gazette Notice confirming the appointments, Passaris congratulated the incoming IEBC team and expressed optimism about their potential to steer the nation toward fair and transparent elections.
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“President William Samoei Ruto has officially published a new Gazette Notice, completing the legal formalities and regularising the appointments of the IEBC Chairperson and Commissioners. This pivotal move paves the way for their swearing-in and formal assumption of office. Hearty congratulations to the chairperson and the entire team on this landmark achievement. As you step into this vital national role, may your leadership be guided by wisdom, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to electoral justice,” Passaris stated.
The Gazette Notice marks the final legal step in the IEBC reconstitution process, clearing the way for the swearing-in of the commissioners and the official commencement of their duties.
Reinforcing democratic institutions
Passaris described the move as “a significant stride in reinforcing Kenya’s democratic institutions,” noting that a functional and credible IEBC is central to safeguarding the country’s democratic gains.
“This marks a significant stride in reinforcing Kenya’s democratic institutions and strengthening public trust in the electoral process,” she stated.
Ruto has formally gazetted the appointments of the new chairperson and six commissioners of the IEBC.
The move aims at regularising the process following a recent High Court ruling.
In Gazette Notice No. 9269, dated July 10, 2025, Ruto appointed Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new Chairperson of the IEBC for a six-year term.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 250 (2) as read with section 5 (2) of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act and Paragraph 4 of the First Schedule to the Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Erastus Edung Ethekon to be the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for a period of six (6) years,” Ruto stated.
IEBC commissioners
Ethekon will lead a team of six, including Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 250 (2) as read with section 5 (2) of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act and Paragraph 4 of the First Schedule to the Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah to be members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for a period of six (6) years,” Ruto added.
