- President Ruto has nominated Ethekon as the new IEBC chairperson.
- Ethekon will take over from the late Wafula Chebukati, pending vetting.
- Six new commissioner nominees have also been unveiled.
- The nominees represent various regions across the country.
- Parliament is urged to fast-track the approval process.
- The move aims to prepare the IEBC for upcoming electoral duties.
President William Ruto has settled on Ethekon, a respected legal mind and former Turkana County Attorney, as his choice for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairmanship. This comes just days after he received the final report from the selection panel.
Parliament to Vet New Leadership
Should Parliament approve his nomination, Ethekon will officially succeed Wafula Chebukati, who passed away in February 2025. Ethekon is known for his deep experience in governance and constitutional matters, making him a notable pick for the role.
Regional Balance in Commissioner Picks
In addition to Ethekon, the President has also put forward six names to serve as IEBC commissioners, reflecting Kenya’s diverse ethnic and regional makeup. The list includes:
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)
Koskei Calls for Speedy Vetting
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, while issuing the announcement, stressed the crucial role the IEBC plays in protecting the nation’s democracy. He noted that the President had asked Parliament to treat the vetting process as a top priority.
“In recognition of the indispensable role of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission as a cornerstone institution of our democracy, His Excellency the President has urged the National Assembly to prioritize the consideration of these nominations,” Koskei stated.
Preparing the IEBC for Future Tasks
This fresh lineup is part of a broader effort to revive and strengthen the IEBC ahead of future elections and boundary reviews. With the commission having been inactive for a while, the nominations point to a renewed focus on stability and preparedness within the electoral body.
