By Mdadisi Mmoja
President William Ruto has nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the next Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). This decision has sparked celebration and political controversy. The nomination, announced last week by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, follows the departure of former IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati in January 2023. Ethekon’s appointment awaits parliamentary vetting and approval.
In Turkana, Ethekon’s home county, the news was met with jubilation. County Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai praised him as a seasoned legal mind and a pioneering public servant, citing his tenure as Turkana’s first County Attorney. “Ethekon’s leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service are qualities we deeply admire. His nomination reflects the President’s trust in his competence,” Lomorukai said.
The Turkana Professionals Association joined the applause, with Chairperson Jackson Nakusa calling the nomination a landmark moment for Turkana and other pastoralist and marginalised communities. “This is a bold step toward inclusivity, equity, and national cohesion,” Nakusa said. “Ethekon represents a new era where merit transcends ethnicity, religion, or social class in public appointments.”
Turkana County Assembly Majority Leader Stephen Edukon echoed these sentiments, noting that Turkana’s historical exclusion from top national posts made this nomination especially significant.
However, political ripples are emerging elsewhere. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka criticised the President’s decision, accusing him of bypassing critical consultation with other political players. “Ruto’s unilateral nomination undermines trust in the IEBC and casts doubt on the integrity of upcoming elections, including the 2027 General Election,” Kalonzo said.
Lawyer Miguna Miguna went further, alleging the nomination process was a covert plan between Ruto and Raila Odinga to influence future elections, questioning the IEBC’s impartiality under Ethekon’s potential leadership.
Separately, Ethekon brings extensive experience to the role. He began his career with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), serving from 2007 to 2015 in various program management roles. He later worked as Chief Technical Advisor on development programs in Kenya. In 2018, he became Turkana’s County Attorney, a position he held for six years until his nomination.
Academically, Ethekon holds a law degree from the University of Nairobi and a postgraduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law. He also earned a certificate in international human rights implementation from the University of Nottingham (UK). His academic credentials include three Master’s degrees:
- M.A. in Peace, Conflict, and Development (Universidad Jaume I, Spain)
- MSc. in Project Management (University of Liverpool, UK)
- LL.M. in Oil, Gas, and Energy Law (University of Derby, UK)
With Parliament set to vet the nominee, Ethekon’s fate rests with lawmakers. If approved, he will face the daunting task of restoring public trust in the IEBC and navigating Kenya’s electoral system through a politically charged environment. As the nation watches, Ethekon’s nomination has already ignited a debate on inclusion, integrity, and the future of Kenyan democracy.
