The nominee for the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Erastus Ethekon, has disclosed his net worth at a staggering KSh277,882,237, setting the tone for a probing vetting session before the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) on Saturday.

Appearing composed and confident, Ethekon laid bare his financial standing, stating that his wealth is tied up in land, livestock, Safaricom shares and motor vehicles. He further revealed anticipated income from the African Union Development Agency (AUDA) and gratuity owed to him by the Turkana County Government.

“I am also expecting some income in the next few months from the Turkana County Government. They owe me gratuity,” Ethekon told the committee.

JLAC Chairperson George Murugara (MP, Tharaka) emphasised the importance of financial transparency in public office, especially one as sensitive as the electoral body.

“We need to know your worth so that we can monitor you. We know very well that IEBC can be a very lucrative office to do illegal business,” Murugara asserted.

In a light-hearted moment, Dadaab MP Maalim Farah encouraged Ethekon to consider the growing value of his livestock.

“I am also a livestock farmer. You should also tell this committee that you expect additional income from your animals as they will multiply,” Farah quipped.

But beyond his financials, Ethekon pledged fidelity to the Constitution and promised to steer the IEBC with impartiality and integrity.

“If confirmed, I will be guided strictly by the Constitution and the laws of Kenya,” he said, acknowledging the immense public scrutiny that comes with the position.

Ethekon also noted the heightened expectations on the IEBC, given Kenya’s history of electoral disputes and the demand for credible, transparent elections.

The vetting process resumes after months of delays triggered by a legal petition that challenged the selection process on grounds of regional and gender imbalance. However, a court ruling cleared the way for Parliament to proceed with vetting, although final appointments remain subject to judicial approval before gazettement and swearing-in.

As Kenya looks ahead to its next general election, the confirmation of the IEBC leadership will be key in restoring public confidence in the country’s electoral processes.

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