Nominated Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Erastus Ethekon has firmly denied allegations that he would favour President William Ruto in the upcoming 2027 General Election.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee on Saturday, Ethekon was questioned over his impartiality, particularly because he was nominated by President Ruto. In response, he assured MPs that his tenure if confirmed would be guided strictly by the law.
“Absolutely, I will not be [biased]. I shall not be,” Ethekon declared, responding to Dadaab MP Farah Maalim’s inquiry on whether he would lean in favour of the President.
Ethekon emphasized his commitment to impartiality, informing the committee that he had already sworn an affidavit affirming his dedication to fairness.
“I shall be guided by the law. No office, whether big or small, will influence me,” he said.
The nominee pledged to treat all presidential candidates equally, stating, “These are my clients. These are the people we serve. We must ensure that Kenyans trust the process and the outcome.”
Addressing questions about his professional background, Ethekon clarified that his past working relationships with former Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok and current Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai were strictly professional.
He served as the Turkana County Attorney, working with Nanok for four years and Lomorukai for two years.
“My relationship with both governors was professional and ended when I left office,” Ethekon said, dismissing concerns about potential conflicts of interest. He added, “No man is an island. But the Constitution says IEBC is independent and must not be controlled by any person or authority.”
Ethekon further assured the committee that his actions would remain transparent and accountable, stating that any citizen has the right to petition for his removal under Article 251 of the Constitution if he violates the law.
In response to a separate claim made during the session, Ethekon also clarified that he is not related to any sitting Member of Parliament.
“We are not related at all. Not even by clan or village,” he said.
If confirmed, Ethekon will take on the critical role of overseeing Kenya’s next general election, a position that demands neutrality, transparency, and public trust.
By Faith Mwende
