IEBC now fully constituted as 4 commissioners sworn-in

IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati on Thursday welcomed the four new commissioners to the commission, hours after they took oath of office.

The new commissioners are Juliana Cherera, Francis Mathenge, Irene Masit, and Justus Abonyo.

They are expected to serve for six years.

The commission is now fully constituted.

President Uhuru Kenyatta gazetted the commissioners' appointment on Thursday.

Four positions were left vacant following the unceremonious exit of Roselyne Akombe, Paul Kurgat, Connie Maina, and Margaret Mwachanya after the 2017 General Elections.

The four took an oath of office at the Supreme Court building before CJ Martha Koome at a ceremony conducted by CRJ Anne Amadi, before proceeding to the IEBC headquarters. 

On Thursday morning, the High Court declined to stop the swearing-in of the four commissioners.

Justice Weldon Korir said the country is heading towards elections and any further delay of swearing-in will be dangerous.

“It's in the public interest that the conservatory orders should not be granted" the court ruled.

Justice Korir said this is the period that IEBC should be busy.

Last month, the Court of Appeal ruled that the commission was not properly constituted, hence had no capacity to make major decisions such as involving a General Election.

The four names were forwarded to the president by the Selection Panel for the Appointment of Commissioners to IEBC from a list of 35 members who were interviewed.

The panel has retreated to pick names that will be submitted to President Uhuru Kenyatta for consideration.