The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has elected Commissioner Fahima Araphat Abdallah as its new Vice Chairperson. Her appointment was confirmed during the Commission’s 288th plenary meeting held just hours after the swearing-in of the new IEBC leadership on Friday, July 11, 2025.
The announcement was made by newly appointed IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, who praised the Commission’s swift action in establishing a leadership structure, noting the urgency and significance of their mandate ahead of key electoral events.
“We are pleased to announce to members of the public and stakeholders that the Commission in its 288th Plenary meeting elected Commissioner Fahima Araphat Abdallah as the Vice Chairperson,” Ethekon stated in a press release.
Ethekon, sworn in alongside six newly appointed Commissioners at the Supreme Court, pledged to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure credible elections. He emphasized that his foremost allegiance is to the people of Kenya, whose sovereign power is enshrined in Article 1 of the Constitution.
“Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democratic society. The IEBC is entrusted with the solemn responsibility that every citizen’s voice is not only heard but honoured,” he said.
Ethekon also highlighted the threat of misinformation and disinformation to democratic processes, calling on media stakeholders to champion truth and transparency.
“We have an opportunity to work with news outlets to educate, inform, and focus on factual truths,” he noted.
Calling for national unity ahead of the upcoming by-elections and the 2027 General Election, Ethekon emphasized that electoral integrity is not solely the IEBC’s burden, but a shared national duty.
The newly constituted Commission includes:
- Erastus Ethekon – Chairperson
- Fahima Araphat Abdallah – Vice Chairperson
- Ann Njeri Nderitu
- Moses Alutalala Mukhwana
- Mary Karen Sorobit
- Hassan Noor Hassan
- Francis Odhiambo Aduol
The full reconstitution of the IEBC marks a turning point as Kenya gears up for critical elections. With a clear leadership structure and renewed focus on transparency, the Commission aims to rebuild public trust and safeguard democratic processes.
