IEBC nominees' vetting: Erastus Edung forgets to hold the Bible while taking his oath
National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) on May 31, 2025, vetted the nominee for IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon. Courtesy photo
A light moment marked the beginning of Saturday’s vetting session of Erastus Edung Ethekon, President William Ruto’s nominee for Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), when he forgot to hold the Bible while taking his oath before the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC).
“Sorry, Chair, I had not actually seen the Bible,” Mr Edung said, drawing laughter from some members of the committee. He was politely asked to repeat the oath while holding the Bible, which he did with a smile.
JLAC is currently chaired by Tharaka MP George Murugara while Kibwezi West MP Mutuse Ekomas Mwengi, mover of the motion that ousted Mr Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy President, serves as the Vice Chairperson.
<svg></svg>
The gaffe, though minor, offered a moment of levity in what was otherwise a serious and high-stakes vetting exercise for the man poised to oversee Kenya’s next General Election in 2027.
Mr Edung, a development governance specialist, declared a net worth of Sh276.8 million, including land, livestock, shares in Safaricom, and several vehicles.
He cited his earnings from his role at the African Union Development Agency, alongside gratuity owed to him by the Turkana County Government, where he previously served.
He holds a Master’s degree in Governance and has previously worked with international organisations including UNDP and Amref, experiences he believes have prepared him for the demanding IEBC role.
Interestingly, Mr Edung revealed he was initially hesitant to apply for the IEBC Chairmanship.
“I didn’t want to apply for this hot seat, but some young men at a cybercafé encouraged me to apply.”
He submitted applications for both the chairperson and commissioner posts. While he was out of the country, the same young men texted him a screenshot informing him of his shortlisting.
Addressing concerns over possible political influence, especially his alleged connection to Mr Josphat Nanok, a senior official at State House and former Turkana Governor, Mr Edung was categorical: “Not even close, not at the clan level, let alone family. We come from different villages and have no relationship whatsoever, whether by marriage or extended family.”
He stressed that his past employment in Turkana County under Governor Nanok was professional and would not influence his conduct if appointed to lead the electoral body.
Queried on whether ongoing political mobilisation ahead of 2027 violates the electoral code, Mr Edung defended early campaigns, citing Article 38 of the Constitution which guarantees the right to political participation and expression.
“Early campaigns are part of political mobilisation. It’s a right Kenyans enjoy under the Constitution. What we should watch out for is conduct that borders on incitement or violates the Code of Conduct for Political Parties.”
If approved, Mr Edung pledged to uphold the IEBC’s independence and fairness.
“I will not favour the President or anybody else. I will serve the Constitution and the people of Kenya.”
He added that under his leadership, the Commission would enhance public trust through transparent electoral processes, professional staff recruitment, and constructive engagement with security agencies, civil society, and the media.
He also promised to strengthen the IEBC’s internal systems, improve voter education, and ensure that no community is left behind in the delimitation of electoral boundaries.
Although Parliament resumed the vetting process after a High Court order lifted the temporary suspension, a conservatory order remains in place, barring the gazettement and swearing-in of the nominees pending the outcome of a petition challenging their selection.
Mr Edung is among seven(7) individuals nominated to serve in the reconstituted IEBC, a process being closely watched ahead of the 2027 elections.
The other candidates--nominated as commissioners--include Ms Ann Njeru Nderitu (Nyandarua), Mr Moses Alutalala Mukwhana (Kakamega), Ms Mary Karen Sorobit (Uasin Gishu), Mr Hassan Noor Hassan (Mandera), Mr Francis Odhiambo Aduol (Kisumu), and Mr Fahima Araphat Abdallah (Lamu).
