Ruto nominates little known lawyer to succeed Chebukati at IEBC

President William Ruto has officially nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), along with six(6) individuals to serve as commissioners. 

These nominations have been forwarded to the National Assembly for vetting and approval.

IEBC Chairperson nominee

Erastus Edung Ethekon (Turkana County)

IEBC Commissioner nominees

Ann Njeri Nderitu (Nyandarua County)

Moses Alutalala Mukhwana (Kakamega County)

Mary Karen Sorobit (Uasin Gishu County)

Hassan Noor Hassan (Mandera County)

Francis Odhiambo Aduol (Kisumu County)

Fahima Araphat Abdallah (Lamu County)

These nominations follow the recommendations of the IEBC Selection Panel, which submitted its final report to President Ruto on May 6, 2025. 

The panel, led by Nelson Makanda, had shortlisted two(2) candidates for the chairperson position and nine(9) for the commissioner roles.  

Mr Erastus Ethekon, the chairperson nominee, brings a wealth of experience in legal and governance matters. 

He holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Oil, Gas & Energy Law from the University of Derby, a Master of Science in Project Management from the University of Liverpool, and a Master of Arts in Peace, Conflict & Development Studies from Universidad Jaume I in Spain. 

Mr Ethekon has served as the County Attorney for Turkana County and has extensive experience in legal consultancy.  

The National Assembly is expected to prioritize the vetting process to ensure the IEBC is fully constituted ahead of upcoming electoral activities.  

The immediate and most critical task for the new IEBC team, once approved by Parliament, will be to oversee the delimitation of electoral boundaries across Kenya.

This process is mandated by the Constitution and is overdue, having been delayed due to the previous IEBC being disbanded.

There are key responsibilities they must address immediately.

Electoral Boundary Review

Redraw and adjust constituency and ward boundaries based on the latest population census and demographic shifts.

Ensure fair and equitable representation in line with constitutional limits and legal frameworks.

Preparation for the 2027 General Elections

Begin early preparations, including voter education, registration, and logistical planning.

Rebuild public trust and institutional credibility, which was weakened after the disputed 2022 elections.

Recruitment and Reorganisation

Reconstitute IEBC staff at both national and county levels.

Develop internal policies and strategic plans for election preparedness.

Legal and Institutional Reforms

Engage with Parliament and other stakeholders on proposed electoral reforms.

Implement recommendations from post-election reports and audits.

Another major issue is that of by-elections in at least six(6) constituencies.

Constituencies awaiting by-elections

1. Banisa Constituency (Mandera County)--Vacant since March 2023 following the death of MP Kullow Hassan in a motorcycle accident.
2. Magarini Constituency (Kilifi County)--Seat nullified in March 2024 by the High Court due to election irregularities involving MP Harrison Kombe.
3. Ugunja Constituency (Siaya County)
   Vacant since July 2024 after MP Opiyo Wandayi was appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum.
4. Gwassi Constituency (Homa Bay County)--Vacant following the appointment of MP John Mbadi as Treasury Cabinet Secretary in July 2024.
5. Malava Constituency (Kakamega County)--Vacant since February 17, 2025, after the death of MP Malulu Injendi.
6. Mbeere North Constituency (Embu County)--Vacant following the appointment of MP Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes.

County awaiting by-election

Baringo County--The senatorial seat became vacant after the death of Senator William Cheptumo on February 16, 2025.  

Wards awaiting by-elections

1. Kisa East Ward (Kakamega County)
2. Chewana Ward (Tana River County)
3. Nyamai Ward (Nyamira County)

These wards are currently unrepresented and are pending by-elections. 

According to Article 101 of the Kenyan Constitution, a by-election should be held within 90 days of a seat becoming vacant. However, due to the IEBC's previous lack of quorum, these timelines have not been met. 

With the reconstitution of the IEBC underway, it is anticipated that the commission will prioritize organising these by-elections to ensure representation for the affected areas.