President Ruto Nominates Erastus Edung Ethekon as New IEBC Chairperson
President William Ruto has nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), following the death of former Chairperson Wafula Chebukati in February this year.
The nomination was announced Thursday evening in a press release issued by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei. The announcement comes after President Ruto received the final report of the IEBC Selection Panel earlier in the week.
Ethekon, a respected legal professional and former County Attorney of Turkana, now awaits vetting and approval by Parliament. His appointment will mark a significant step in reconstituting the country’s electoral body, which has been operating with several vacant positions following the end of the tenures of key officials.
Alongside Ethekon, President Ruto also nominated six individuals to serve as IEBC Commissioners. The nominees represent various regions of Kenya and include:
- Ann Nderitu (Nyandarua) – Registrar of Political Parties
- Moses Alutalala Mukhwana (Kakamega)
- Mary Karen Sorobit (Uasin Gishu)
- Hassan Noor Hassan (Mandera)
- Francis Odhiambo Aduol (Kisumu)
- 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, in accordance with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act as well as the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act (Chapter 7F, Laws of Kenya),” Koskei stated.
President Ruto has called on Members of Parliament to expedite the vetting process, noting the critical role that IEBC plays in safeguarding Kenya’s democracy.
“In recognition of the indispensable role of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) 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,” read the statement.
If approved, the appointments will rejuvenate the IEBC ahead of upcoming by-elections and electoral reforms, as Kenya gears up for a new chapter in its electoral history.
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President Ruto Nominates Erastus Edung Ethekon as New IEBC Chairperson