The Judiciary has reaffirmed its commitment to fairly and efficiently adjudicate electoral disputes as it prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Nairobi during the launch of the Judiciary Committee on Elections Operational Plan 2025–2028, Chief Justice Martha Koome said the Judiciary is ready to handle the 2027 Electoral Dispute Resolution cycle with fairness, independence, and integrity.
Koome pledged full support for the JCE as it guides the Judiciary towards achieving an effective EDR process in the upcoming election period.
“I also call upon all our partners, the Law Society of Kenya, the IEBC, other electoral stakeholders, and our development partners – to continue walking this journey with us,” she said on Monday.
The CJ urged stakeholders and Kenyans to work with the Judiciary in safeguarding the country’s constitutional democracy, ensuring a just, peaceful, and transparent electoral process.
“Electoral justice is a shared responsibility. Only through sustained collaboration can we achieve a peaceful process that upholds the constitutional vision of free, fair, and credible elections, and strengthens our democracy,” she added.
Koome commended the JCE for addressing systemic challenges such as the need for timely electoral law reforms and continuous capacity building for judges and judicial officers. She also lauded its efforts to foster stronger synergies with other electoral stakeholders.
“Particularly commendable is the proactive approach towards public engagement, aimed at countering disinformation and building public trust in the Judiciary’s handling of electoral disputes,” she noted.
She described the Operational Plan as both a roadmap for preparing for the 2027 elections and a blueprint for defending the integrity of the electoral process and fostering public confidence in judicial adjudication.
The CJ also acknowledged the transition in JCE leadership from outgoing chair, Supreme Court Judge Mohammed Ibrahim, to incoming chair, Justice Njoki Ndungu. She said the change represents both continuity and renewal in the Judiciary’s role of safeguarding democracy.
“It also marks the official commencement of the Judiciary’s preparations for the 2027 EDR cycle,” Koome said.
Justice Ibrahim noted that the Operational Plan provides clear priorities and programmes to support the Judiciary’s EDR mandate in the coming electoral cycle.
Justice Ndungu urged Parliament to implement any necessary legislative changes well ahead of the elections.
“Changes to the law are critical, but they undermine preparedness when done too close to elections,” she warned.
Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya said the Judiciary has embraced its role not only as an arbiter of disputes but also as a guarantor of electoral credibility.
“The Plan reflects a Judiciary that is not reactive but anticipatory – deliberately planning, innovating, and investing in institutional excellence,” Mokaya said.
