Nominee for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson post Erastus Edung Ethekon has addressed concerns regarding his association with Josphat Nanok, President William Ruto’s Deputy Chief of Staff and former Turkana Governor.
Speaking during his vetting by the Committee of Justice and Legal Affairs, Ethekon acknowledged that he served as the Turkana County Attorney during Nanok’s second term.
This connection has raised questions about his impartiality in overseeing the 2027 elections.
Ethekon confirmed that he had a professional relationship with Nanok for four years during his second term in office.
He explained that their relationship was purely in the interest of serving the people of Turkana and had no influence on his nomination.
“I knew Nanok when I worked with him as the Turkana County Attorney when he was serving as governor. I worked with him for four years and our relationship was purely professional in serving the people of Turkana in our various capacities,” he said.
“Our professional relationship ended in 2022 after he left, and I continued serving under the current governor for another two years.”
He stated that he has several relationships, including family, friendship, schoolmates and workmates.
However, he explained that such relationships will not influence his work if appointed as IEBC Chairperson.
“I don’t think the nation should worry about the many relationships we have had as we grow in our career paths or live,” he said.
He clarified that he is not related to Nanok in any way, although they come from the same County.
“We are not close even at the level of clan, let alone family. We come from totally different villages; even clan-wise wise we are far apart. We have no relationship, whether by marriage, extended family or anything else,” he said.
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Ruto’s Influence in 2027
He affirmed that he will be impartial, fair and guided by the law if he takes over the Commission.
“No office, whether small or big, shall influence me, my decision or my running of the Commission. I will rely on the Constitution and laws of Kenya,” Ethekon added.
He stated that he will work with the Presidential candidates to ensure Kenyans trust the process and the outcome.
Ethekon said he will not be biased in favour of President Ruto in the 2027 elections.
Applications and Nomination as IEBC Chair
Ethekon also dismissed claims that his nomination had some irregularities.
He stated that his application, interviews and nomination were done as per the law.
He revealed that he was encouraged to apply for both the position of IEBC chairperson and member by some youth.
“We were invited in an open process, and we submitted our application. I went through televised interviews, gave my account for why I should be considered, and the other process proceeded as per the law,” he said.
Also Read: Court Issues Fresh Directives on Vetting and Swearing-in of IEBC Nominees
Free and Credible Election
Besides, Ethekon asked Kenyans to have trust in the IEBC and the Constitution during elections.
He stated that the nominees are aware of the task ahead of them and the issues raised by Kenyans.
“I took this role knowing very well that there is a lot expected of us, and what Kenyans are worried about. If we address the issue of the election, we must ask Kenyans to trust themselves,” Ethekon said.
“Then we begin to look at the legal frameworks to help us navigate the issues of governance in Kenya.”
Additionally, he emphasized that he would follow the Constitution and the Law to ensure a credible and transparent election.
He asked other IEBC Commissioners nominees to affirm that they will play their role during the elections.
“I will be guided by the Constitution and laws of Kenya. Through this fidelity to the law, I should be able to follow all the laid-down processes that will lead us to a credible and fair election,” he said.
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