Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson nominee Erastus Ethekon has assured Kenyans that he will not favour President William Ruto if confirmed to the position.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) on Saturday, May 31, Ethekon emphasised that he would remain impartial and uphold the rule of law if confirmed to the position.
He was responding to a question from Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who sought to know whether Ethekon’s close ties with President Ruto’s ally, former Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok, would influence his decisions at the electoral commission.
“Answer the question as asked, will you be biased towards President William Ruto?” Otiende asked.
Ethekon said he will be guided by the rule of law, insisting “I will not I shall not”.
On his close relationship with the former Turkana Governor, Ethekon explained that he only has a professional relationship with Nanok as he served in his devolved government for six years. He denied claims that he is related to Nanok saying, “I am not related to Nanok in anyway, we are not close, even in clan.”
The human rights lawyer from Turkana County was also at pains to explain his qualifications for the role of IEBC Chair, particularly in relation to Articles 88 and 166, which outline the qualifications required for the position.
Article 88 of the Kenyan Constitution outlines the qualifications for the IEBC Chairperson. “To be eligible, a person must be qualified to hold the office of a judge of the Supreme Court.”
While answering numerous questions from Members of Parliament about his plans to prevent chaos in the upcoming general elections given the politically charged environment currently being witnessed in the, Erastus Ethekon emphasized the importance of trust: Kenyans trusting themselves and in institutions.
“We must begin by trusting ourselves, trust that the Constitution works, that our election laws are effective and enforceable, and that we will comply with those laws and the institutions established to manage our elections,” said Ethekon.
He went on to express his awareness of the weight of the role that awaits him if confirmed:
“Once confirmed as Chair and I take the oath of office, I will know that I have crossed from being just a mere citizen enjoying rights in this country to becoming a duty bearer as the Chairperson of the IEBC. It will be my responsibility to ensure we have free, fair, transparent, credible, and most importantly peaceful elections.”
During the vetting, the ghosts of the Cherera Four saga resurfaced, with members questioning how he plans to manage the institution.
“If appointed as the new Chair, together with the new commissioners, we will put our house in order. If there are any challenges, it will be our responsibility as duty bearers to put in place measures to address and resolve them,” he said.
