Kenya Swears In New Electoral Commission Amid Political Pressure

Kenya has sworn in a new chairperson and six commissioners to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, following their approval by President William Ruto. The appointments come after a period of vacancy and legal challenges, including the suspension of four previous commissioners who had contested Ruto's 2022 election victory, which was upheld by the Supreme Court. The new commissioners, led by human rights lawyer Erastus Ethekon, have committed to ensuring that the voices of Kenyans are heard and counted in the upcoming 2027 general elections. Their installation addresses a key demand from last year's protests, which were driven by dissatisfaction with governance, high living costs, corruption, and police brutality. Chief Justice Martha Koome emphasized the significance of this moment as Kenya faces a period of reckoning with its public institutions. These developments mark a crucial step toward political stability and electoral transparency amid ongoing social pressures.