Judiciary Calls for Timely Electoral Reforms to Safeguard 2027 Elections
Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged Parliament to expedite electoral law reforms to strengthen Kenya’s electoral dispute resolution framework ahead of the 2027 General Elections. Speaking at the Supreme Court during the launch of the Judiciary Committee on Elections (JCE) Operational Plan, Koome emphasized the need for timely legislative changes to avoid last-minute amendments that could undermine the electoral process.
Koome highlighted the importance of a robust legal framework to ensure fair and transparent elections. She warned against rushed legal changes, noting that such actions could erode public confidence and destabilize the democratic process. The Chief Justice stressed that electoral justice is a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration among the Judiciary, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Law Society of Kenya, and other stakeholders to uphold constitutional values and foster a peaceful electoral cycle.
The JCE Operational Plan serves as a roadmap for the Judiciary’s preparations for the 2027 elections. It outlines strategies to enhance the efficiency, fairness, and independence of electoral dispute resolution (EDR). Koome underscored that the plan is a blueprint for defending the integrity of Kenya’s electoral process and rebuilding public trust in judicial adjudication of election-related disputes. She reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to handling the 2027 EDR cycle with impartiality and integrity, ensuring that disputes are resolved promptly and justly.
The event also marked a transition in JCE leadership, with Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndungu taking over as chairperson from Justice Mohammed Ibrahim. Koome described this change as a moment of continuity and renewal, signaling the Judiciary’s readiness to tackle the challenges of the upcoming electoral cycle. Ndungu’s appointment underscores the Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its role in safeguarding Kenya’s democracy.
Koome called on all stakeholders, including political leaders, to refrain from actions or statements that could undermine public trust in the electoral system. She emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, urging Kenyans to work together to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. The Chief Justice also appealed for sustained collaboration with development partners to support the Judiciary’s efforts in delivering electoral justice.
The call for electoral reforms comes amid heightened political activity in Kenya, with concerns raised over politically charged rhetoric and allegations of election rigging. The IEBC, recently reconstituted with new chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon and commissioners, has also urged political actors to avoid inflammatory statements that could erode confidence in the electoral process. The commission is grappling with time and resource constraints but has committed to meeting its constitutional obligations, including voter education and boundary delimitation, ahead of the 2027 polls.
Koome’s remarks align with broader efforts to restore public confidence in Kenya’s electoral system, which has faced scrutiny following disputed elections in the past. The Judiciary’s proactive stance, coupled with the IEBC’s commitment to transparency, signals a concerted effort to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure a stable electoral environment in 2027.