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Ruto nominates Erastus Edung Ethekon as IEBC chair
Erastus Edung Ethekon, an applicant for Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson faces the selection panel at the Edge Convention Centre, Nairobi City County on March 25, 2025.
President William Ruto has nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon, a former Turkana County attorney, for appointment as the chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The latest development brings a step closer to an end, the more than two-years wait for a new electoral agency.
Mr Ethekon will, if approved by the National Assembly, replace the late Wafula Chebukati, who exited the poll body in January 2023 at the end of a six-year term.
The head of State also named Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu, Moses Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol and Fahima Araphat Abdallah as commissioners.
Nonetheless, the pick of Mr Hassan will rekindle controversy that preceded his late inclusion in the shortlist of candidates for the commissioner position.
He was among six names sneaked to the shortlist by the IEBC selection panel just days before the start of the interviews.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said the nominations follows the recommendations of the Dr Nelson Makanda-led selection panel on the recruitment of the nominees for the position of the chairperson and members of the IEBC on May 6, 2025.
The law requires that the President, within seven days of receipt of the names, forwards the list of nominees to the National Assembly for approval hearings.
“In its submission, the selection panel recommended two candidates for the position of chairperson and nine candidates for consideration to fill six positions of member of the Commission. Arising from these recommendations, the head of State has nominated the following individuals for appointment,” said Mr Koskei.
The names have already been transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval by Parliament. The National Assembly is currently in recess.
“His Excellency the President has urged the National Assembly to prioritise the consideration of these nominations,” added Mr Koskei.
