Who Is Erastus Ethekon? President Ruto's Surprise Choice for New IEBC Chair

On Thursday evening, President William Ruto's office announced the names of the proposed commissioners and chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Among the list of seven nominees, the name that caught many by surprise was that of Erastus Edung Ethekon, the chairman-designate.

Despite being relatively unknown to most Kenyans, Ethekon emerged as the top pick for the crucial role, edging out more familiar faces in Kenya’s political and legal landscape.

Who is Erastus Edung Ethekon?

Ethekon, 48, hails from Turkana County and holds extensive academic and professional qualifications. He is a law graduate from the University of Nairobi and also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.

Ethekon’s academic credentials further include three master’s degrees from renowned international institutions:

Master of Arts in Peace, Conflict & Development Studies – Universidad Jaume I, Spain (2012)

Master of Science in Project Management – University of Liverpool, UK (2013)

Master of Laws in Oil, Gas & Energy Law – University of Derby, UK (2016)

Professionally, Ethekon has over two decades of experience as a consultant and legal practitioner. He has been a consultant partner at Northern Consulting Solution and Ethekon & Co. Advocates. Between 2007 and 2015, he served as a Program Management Specialist at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

In 2018, he was appointed County Attorney for Turkana County, a position he held for six years, further solidifying his experience in governance and legal affairs.

The New IEBC Team

If approved by the parliamentary vetting committee, Ethekon will lead a team of six commissioners:

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 list raised eyebrows as some prominent figures, including former East African Court of Justice legislator Charles Nyachae and former Judiciary Registrar Ann Amadi, were left out.

The Vacancy at the IEBC

The IEBC chair and commissioner positions have been vacant since January 16, 2023, following the end of the six-year terms of former chair Wafula Chebukati and commissioners Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu.

Now, all eyes are on Ethekon and the proposed commissioners as they await parliamentary approval.