After months of anticipation and political speculation, Kenya is finally moving closer to restoring the leadership of its electoral body, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Parliament is now set to begin the vetting process of seven nominees appointed to steer the commission, which has remained vacant since the exit of former chairperson Wafula Chebukati and his team in early 2023.
Leading the list of nominees is Erastus Edung Ethekon from Turkana County, who has been proposed as the next chairperson of the IEBC. Ethekon, a seasoned legal professional with years of experience in electoral law, is expected to offer both leadership and regional balance to the commission.
He is joined by six other nominees drawn from various counties, each bringing a unique blend of experience and expertise. Ann Njeri Nderitu, formerly the Registrar of Political Parties, is widely recognized for her firm approach in dealing with party governance. Kakamega’s Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, a legal practitioner with ties to civil society, is known for his advocacy on constitutional rights and electoral integrity.
Mary Karen Sorobit from Uasin Gishu adds a technocratic edge to the line-up, having worked extensively on electoral data systems and policy. From Mandera, Hassan Noor Hassan offers experience in public administration and regional development, while Kisumu’s Francis Odhiambo Aduol, an academic and governance consultant, brings scholarly insight into institutional reform. Lamu’s Fahima Araphat Abdallah, a gender rights defender and international observer, rounds off the team with a strong voice for inclusivity and minority representation.
The reconstitution of the IEBC comes at a critical time, with several pressing responsibilities awaiting the incoming commissioners. These include reviewing constituency boundaries, overseeing upcoming by-elections, and laying the foundation for the 2027 General Election. The prolonged absence of a fully constituted commission had raised concerns from various quarters, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the international community, over the state of Kenya’s democratic preparedness.
Public reactions to the nominations have so far been cautiously optimistic. Many observers point to the team’s regional diversity and professional credentials as a sign of potential renewal for the troubled institution. However, questions remain over whether the new commission will be able to overcome the political pressures that have historically marred the IEBC’s independence and credibility.
As Parliament begins the vetting process in the coming days, all eyes will be on the National Assembly to ensure that merit, integrity, and national interest guide the approval of the nominees. The outcome of this process will likely shape the tone and direction of Kenya’s electoral landscape in the years to come.
