'I won't be biased in favour of Ruto,' IEBC chair nominee Ethekon says

IEBC Chairperson nominee Erastus Ethekon before National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Commitee on Saturday, May 31, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson nominee Erastus Ethekon now says he will remain impartial in the 2027 General Election, should he be confirmed.

Ethekon was responding to questions from the National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) on Saturday, May 31, during hearings for approval for the position of IEBC chairperson.

“Absolutely not. I shall not be biased against President Ruto,” he said.

Ethekon’s nomination has not come without controversy. During the session, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo revealed that three individuals had submitted formal objections to his [Ethekon’s] nomination.

The objections were based on concerns that his past association with former Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok, and now Deputy Chief of Staff at State House, could compromise his neutrality.

“The objection claims you might favour President William Ruto in the 2027 elections because of your links with Nanok, who was your boss when you served as legal advisor in Turkana,” Amollo said.

In response, Ethekon defended his record, asserting that his past role in Turkana County was purely professional and did not compromise his independence.

“For the record, I am not even closely related to Nanok. We are not related, whether by birth or even clan. Our engagement was strictly professional, aimed at serving the people of Turkana… I have no political allegiance and will uphold the independence of the IEBC if confirmed,” he said.

Justice and Legal Affairs Committee begins approval hearings for IEBC chairperson nominee and six commissioners, though their gazettement and swearing-in remain suspended

Video By Elvis Ogina pic.twitter.com/gD1gE5cDLc — The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) May 31, 2025

Ethekon also pledged impartiality in the 2027 General Election, reaffirming his commitment to lead the country into a credible and technology-driven poll.  

Speaking before the committee chaired by Tharaka MP George Murugara, the nominee acknowledged the evolving nature of elections, saying that the next poll will heavily rely on technology both in its administration and in public engagement.

“The 2027 elections will not be business as usual. They will be technology-driven from how we register voters to how we educate and engage them. We must reach young people where they are, including platforms like TikTok and Instagram,” said Ethekon.

The vetting comes just days after the High Court lifted an injunction that had temporarily halted the process over concerns about gender and regional balance in the list of nominees.

Parliament is now proceeding with the assessment of both the chairperson and commissioner candidates, although their gazettement and swearing-in remain suspended.