Ruto nominates Erastus Ethekon as new IEBC chair

By Newsflash Reporter

NAIROBI, Kenya — In a key step toward reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), President William Ruto has formally nominated individuals to serve as the new Chairperson and Members of the Commission.

The nominations follow the recommendations of the Selection Panel tasked with overseeing the recruitment process.

In a statement issued on Thursday, May 8, 2025, by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix K. Koskei, the President exercised his authority under Article 250(2)(b) of the Constitution and Sections 5(4) and 7 of the IEBC Act (Chapter 7C, Laws of Kenya). The presidential nominations now await consideration and approval by the National Assembly.

The process was initiated after the Selection Panel submitted its final report to the President on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

In its submission, the Panel recommended two names for the Chairperson position and nine candidates to be considered for six Member slots. After reviewing the recommendations, President Ruto has nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon from Turkana County to serve as the new Chairperson of the IEBC.

Nominated commissioners

The following six individuals have been nominated to serve as Members of the Commission:

Ann Njeri Nderitu – from Nyandarua County
Moses Alutalala Mukhwana – from Kakamega County
Mary Karen Sorobit – from Uasin Gishu County
Hassan Noor Hassan – from Mandera County
Francis Odhiambo Aduol – from Kisumu County
Fahima Araphat Abdallah – from Lamu County

These nominations come at a crucial time, with the IEBC expected to undergo comprehensive reforms ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. The Commission has been operating without a substantive Chairperson and with several vacant Member positions following the resignation and expiry of terms of previous officeholders.

According to the statement, the President has submitted the names to the National Assembly, urging Parliament to give urgent consideration to the matter.

“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,” the statement read.

Team to be vetted by Parliament

The IEBC plays a pivotal role in overseeing elections, managing boundaries, and upholding democratic principles in Kenya. The new team, once vetted and approved by Parliament, will be expected to restore public confidence in the electoral process and lead much-needed reforms ahead of the next General Election.

The Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) Act (Chapter 7F, Laws of Kenya) and the IEBC Act set the framework for vetting and confirming presidential nominees. Parliament is now tasked with scrutinizing the academic credentials, experience, integrity, and suitability of the nominees in accordance with these laws.

Observers have expressed hope that the appointments will end a prolonged leadership vacuum at the IEBC and pave the way for institutional stability. Political stakeholders and civil society groups have consistently called for transparency and inclusivity in the reconstitution of the Commission, especially following the 2022 elections, which were marred by internal division and public controversy.