NAIROBI — Thursday, 8 May 2025
President William Ruto has nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), alongside six others proposed as commissioners.
The announcement, made through a formal communication from the Executive Office of the President, follows recommendations by the IEBC Selection Panel. The panel had shortlisted two candidates for the Chairperson role and nine for the commissioner positions. Out of these, seven individuals have been picked by the Head of State.
“The Head of State has nominated the following individuals for appointment,” read the notice signed by Felix K. Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service. Ethekon, who hails from Turkana County, has been proposed to lead the commission at a time of growing calls for electoral reforms and institutional renewal.
Those named for member positions include:
- Ann Njeri Nderitu (Nyandarua)
- Moses Alutalala Mukhwana (Kakamega)
- Mary Karen Sorobit (Uasin Gishu)
- Hassan Noor Hassan (Mandera)
- Francis Odhiambo Aduol (Kisumu)
- Fahima Araphat Abdallah (Lamu)
The nominations now move to the National Assembly, where MPs are expected to vet and either approve or reject the list.
“This action is in line with Article 250(2)(b) of the Constitution and Sections 5(4) and 7 of the IEBC Act,” said Mr Koskei, noting the President had acted based on the selection panel’s submission delivered on 6 May.
The IEBC has been operating under an interim setup since the exit of its previous leadership. The vacancies were part of a broader transition plan to overhaul the commission ahead of future elections and boundary reviews.
Parliament is under pressure to act swiftly. “His Excellency the President has urged the National Assembly to prioritise the consideration of these nominations,” the statement added.
Kenya’s electoral body plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the democratic process. With general elections still a few years away, the new appointments are likely to shape how the country prepares for its next major political test.
As of now, there has been no official response from key opposition parties or civil society organisations, though scrutiny is expected to intensify in the coming days as the vetting process unfolds.
