President Ruto Nominates Erastus Edung Ethekon as New IEBC Chairperson
By Mwibanda | Thursday, 8 May 2025 – 6:54 PM
President William Ruto has nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon from Turkana County as the next chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a statement released by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, the President also forwarded the names of six other nominees for commissioner positions to the National Assembly for vetting.
“In accordance with our supreme law, the nominations have been transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, pursuant to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act and the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act,” the statement read in part.
Full List of Nominees:
Ann Njeri Nderitu – Registrar of Political Parties
Moses Alutalala Mukhwana
Mary Karen Sorobit
Hassan Noor Hassan
Francis Odhiambo Aduol
Fahima Araphat Abdallah
The nominations were made following recommendations from the IEBC Selection Panel, chaired by Nelson Makanda. The panel had shortlisted two candidates for the chairperson role and nine others for six commissioner slots.
President Ruto has called on the National Assembly to prioritize the vetting process, citing the critical role of the IEBC in safeguarding Kenya’s democratic processes.
“In recognition of the indispensable role of the IEBC as a cornerstone of our democracy and custodian of electoral integrity, His Excellency the President has urged the National Assembly to prioritize the consideration of these nominations,” the statement added.
Who Is Erastus Edung Ethekon?
Ethekon brings a strong legal and academic background to the role. He holds:
Master of Laws (LL.M) in Oil, Gas & Energy Law – University of Derby (2016)
MSc in Project Management – University of Liverpool (2013)
MA in Peace, Conflict & Development Studies – Universidad Jaume I, Spain (2012)
Postgraduate Certificate in International Human Rights Implementation – University of Nottingham (2007)
Postgraduate Diploma in Law – Kenya School of Law (2003)
LL.B – University of Nairobi (2001)
A Chevening Fellow, Ethekon has served in various high-profile roles. Most recently, he was County Attorney for the Turkana County Government from 2018 to 2024. He also led E. Ethekon & Co. Advocates and worked as a consultant partner at Northern Consulting Solution.
The Selection Process
A total of 11 candidates were interviewed for the IEBC chairperson position. Among them were former Judiciary Chief Registrar Anne Amadi, ex-CIC Chairperson Charles Nyachae, and governance expert Joy Mdivo. Erastus Edung Ethekon was selected from this competitive pool.
The National Assembly now has 21 days to vet the nominees, in accordance with the IEBC Act, 2011.
