The selection process for the next chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) continued on Monday, with human rights lawyer Erastus Ethekon being the first candidate to face the interview panel.
Ethekon, 48, hailing from Turkana County, emphasized that age should not be a limiting factor in leading the electoral body. With a calm and collected demeanor, he laid out his vision for addressing the trust deficit that has historically plagued Kenya’s electoral processes.
Reflecting on the chaos witnessed at Bomas of Kenya during the last election, where the IEBC split over result verification, Ethekon described the situation as a sign of disrespect towards Kenyans. He identified a lack of institutional trust as the primary issue and pledged to bridge this gap if appointed as chairperson.
“Why do we get to this level? What are the underlying issues as a society? As Kenyans, there is a big gap when it comes to trusting our institutions. The lack of confidence is what needs to be addressed and is what is costing us,” he told the panel.
Ethekon asserted that the new IEBC leadership must prioritize restoring public confidence. He called for a thorough evaluation of the commission’s staff to ensure neutrality and commitment to legal principles.
He further outlined the importance of teamwork within the commission, explaining that the chairperson’s primary role is to announce and declare results, while the commissioners verify them. If disagreements arise, he insisted they should be documented rather than leading to public disputes or disowning the process.
“We should work as a team, have structured engagement, and make decisions according to the law. Results recorded are final, and our role as commissioners is to verify as a collegiate body,” he said.
Acknowledging the pressures that come with the role, Ethekon expressed readiness to handle them. He dismissed doubts about his age, stating, “I have the stamina, strength, and mental capacity to withstand those fracas.”
The interviews, conducted at the College of Insurance in South C, Nairobi, are being streamed live on KBC Channel 1 and KBC’s YouTube channel. Interviews for the six vacant commissioner positions will commence on Thursday, March 27, and conclude on April 24.
