Parliament Unanimously Backs Erastus Ethekon as New IEBC Chair in Landmark Vote

In a significant development ahead of the 2027 General Election, the National Assembly has unanimously approved the appointment of Erastus Edung Ethekon as the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Alongside him, seven other commissioners were also cleared to assume office in what is seen as a major step toward restoring the electoral body’s full functionality.

The vote, held on Wednesday evening, endorsed President William Ruto’s nominees, following recommendations by the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee. The committee tabled its report earlier in the day, asserting that all nominees were qualified and capable of steering the commission toward credible elections.

The newly approved IEBC commissioners are:

• Ann Njeri Nderitu
• Moses Alutalala Mukhwana
• Mary Karen Sorobit
• Hassan Noor Hassan
• Francis Odhiambo Aduol
• Fahima Araphat Abdallah

The appointments come just over 18 months before the next General Elections, allowing the commission ample time to prepare and implement electoral reforms.

Speaking while tabling the report, Justice and Legal Affairs Committee Chair George Murugara issued a stern reminder to the incoming officials. “We will approve your nominations this afternoon, but Kenyans are watching, and they are saying if you don’t have the spine to conduct elections, start growing one now,” he warned.

Murugara emphasized the importance of credibility, transparency, and public trust in the electoral process. “We must have a fair, just, credible, verifiable election which every Kenyan is going to be satisfied with,” he added.

The unanimous vote has been welcomed across political divides as a move towards institutional stability and electoral preparedness.

With the IEBC now fully constituted, the focus shifts to electoral reforms, voter registration, and the critical groundwork for the 2027 elections.

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Parliament Unanimously Backs Erastus Ethekon as New IEBC Chair in Landmark Vote