Chief Justice Martha Koome has officially commenced her duties, emphasizing the importance of courage, integrity, and accountability in public service. Speaking at the ceremony, Koome highlighted the transfer of trust inherent in her role and urged the new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to act swiftly to fulfill constitutional mandates after a delayed recruitment process that created an institutional vacuum. She underscored that Kenya belongs to all its citizens, not just politicians or institutions, and stressed that elections are critical to national security, economic stability, and human rights. Koome called for the IEBC to maintain independence amid pressures and noted the widespread distrust in public bodies, which threatens democracy and cohesion. She referenced Kenya’s history of disputed elections and violence as a rationale for the 2010 Constitution’s establishment of strong institutions like the IEBC to safeguard electoral integrity. Additionally, Cabinet Secretary Kindiki confirmed that the IEBC is now operational and urged politicians to await the 2027 general elections.