President William Ruto has nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), marking a critical step in the reconstitution of the electoral body. The nomination was announced by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on Thursday evening, following the submission of a report by the IEBC Selection Panel earlier in the week.
Ethekon, who previously served as the Turkana County Attorney, is set to replace the late Wafula Chebukati, the former IEBC Chairperson who passed away in February this year. His nomination is now subject to vetting and approval by the National Assembly, in line with the IEBC Act and the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act.
In addition to Ethekon, President Ruto also nominated six individuals to serve as IEBC Commissioners, representing various regions across the country. These include Ann Nderitu, the current Registrar of Political Parties, who hails from Nyandarua County. The other nominees are Moses Alutalala Mukhwana (Kakamega), Mary Karen Sorobit (Uasin Gishu), Hassan Noor Hassan (Mandera), Francis Odhiambo Aduol (Kisumu), and Fahima Araphat Abdallah (Lamu).
“In accordance with our supreme law, the nominations have been transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by Parliament,” stated Koskei. He added that the process is guided by the legal framework provided under Chapter 7F of the Laws of Kenya.
Koskei emphasized the pivotal role of the IEBC in safeguarding the country’s democratic processes and electoral integrity. “In recognition of the indispensable role of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission as one of the cornerstone institutions of our democracy and a custodian of electoral management, His Excellency the President has urged the National Assembly to prioritize the consideration of these nominations,” he said.
The reconstitution of the IEBC has been long awaited, particularly as the country prepares for upcoming by-elections and electoral reforms. The National Assembly is expected to expedite the vetting process to ensure a fully functional electoral commission is in place.
