After a prolonged period without commissioners, President William Ruto‘s recent nominations for Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have ignited significant controversy.
The choice of a relatively unknown lawyer as chairperson has raised concerns about the integrity of future elections.
Key Takeaways
- President Ruto nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as chairperson of the IEBC.
- The opposition claims the appointments lack inclusive consultation.
- Public opinion polls indicate skepticism regarding the selection process.
- The appointments could further politicize the IEBC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Background of the Appointments
After more than a year without a full commission, Ruto’s announcement on May 9, 2025, introduced Erastus Edung Ethekon, a human rights lawyer from Turkana County, as the new chairperson of the IEBC.
Ethekon, who has a strong academic background and experience with the United Nations, was chosen over more prominent candidates like Anne Amadi and Charles Nyachae, who were seen as frontrunners.
In addition to Ethekon, Ruto nominated six other commissioners:
- Mary Karen Sorobit
- Hassan Noor Hassan
- Francis Odhiambo Aduol
- Fahima Arafat Abdallah
- Ann Njeri Nderitu
- Moses Alutalala Mukhwana
These nominations are now set to go through the vetting process in the National Assembly, as mandated by the Kenyan constitution.
Opposition Response
The opposition, led by Kalonzo Musyoka of the Wiper party, has expressed outrage over the lack of consultation in the nomination process.
Musyoka stated that Ruto’s actions undermine the spirit of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) recommendations, which called for a more inclusive approach to reforming the electoral body.
Kalonzo’s concerns reflect a broader sentiment among opposition leaders who fear that Ruto’s unilateral decisions could erode trust in the IEBC, especially given the commission’s troubled history following the disputed 2022 presidential elections.
Public Sentiment
A recent poll conducted by TIFA Research revealed that 55% of Kenyans believe the recruitment process for the new commissioners lacked fairness and transparency.
Furthermore, 41% of respondents preferred Amadi as the chairperson, indicating a significant disconnect between public opinion and Ruto’s choices.
Lead researcher Tom Wolf noted, “The data clearly shows that most Kenyans have little or no confidence in the selection process.”
Analysis of Ethekon’s Nomination
Ethekon’s selection has surprised many political analysts, with some suggesting it may be a strategic move by Ruto to project an image of inclusivity. By appointing someone from a historically marginalized region, Ruto could be attempting to quell criticism regarding tribal dominance in Kenyan politics.
However, this move may not be sufficient to alleviate concerns about the politicization of the IEBC.
Analysts argue that while Ruto may have consulted with Raila Odinga, it has not satisfied other opposition figures, particularly those who feel sidelined in the decision-making process.
Conclusion
As the new appointments head to the National Assembly for vetting, the controversy surrounding Ruto’s choices highlights the ongoing tensions in Kenyan politics.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the integrity of the electoral process remains a critical issue for many Kenyans, who are watching closely to see how these developments unfold.
