Ruto nominates Erastus Ethekon as IEBC chairperson

IEBC chairperson candidate Erastus Edung Ethekon, before the selection panel on March 25, 2025. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

President William Ruto has nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

In a press release issued on Thursday, the President also named six individuals to serve as IEBC commissioners. The nominees are Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sarobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah.

According to the statement signed by Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, the nominations follow recommendations by the Selection Panel tasked with overseeing the recruitment process. The panel submitted its report to the President on Tuesday, May 6.

The names of the nominees have been forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting and approval.

On Tuesday, Ruto received the report on the recruitment of nominees for the positions of Chairperson and Members of the IEBC at State House, Nairobi.

He commended the panel for a job well done noting that he would nominate the Commissioners and send their names to parliament for vetting and approval, and thereafter, appointment.

"In accordance with the provisions of the IEBC Act, I will nominate and transmit the names to the National Assembly in full fidelity to the constitutional principles that guide our system of governance,' Ruto stated.

During his interview, Ethekon addressed concerns about his age.

Ethekon, 48, dismissed it as a non-factor, saying that he has the energy, experience, and resilience required to lead the electoral agency.