NAIROBI, Kenya— In a move that could reshape Kenya’s electoral future, President William Ruto has appointed Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The announcement, made official through Gazette Notices No. 7724 and 7725 dated June 10, 2025, sets the stage for a new leadership era at one of the country’s most scrutinized institutions.
Ethekon, who will serve a six-year term, is stepping into a high-stakes role. Alongside him, six new commissioners—Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah—have also been appointed, each slated to serve for the same duration under Article 250 (2) of the Constitution and the IEBC Act.
The appointments come at a pivotal moment, not just for the IEBC, but for the country. With the 2027 general elections already looming in the political imagination, the commission is under pressure to restore public trust and prove its capacity to deliver free, fair, and credible elections. And with Kenya’s electoral past riddled with legal disputes and contested outcomes, expectations for this new team are sky-high.
But here’s where it gets complicated.
Just last month, the High Court injected a dose of legal suspense into the process. Following a petition by activists Boniface Mwangi and Kelvin Roy Omondi, Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that while Parliament could vet Ruto’s IEBC nominees, their appointments could not be finalized until deeper constitutional questions were addressed.
The court expressed concern over the transparency of the selection process and the apparent lack of inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups.
Justice Mugambi called the issues raised “substantial” and warranting serious judicial scrutiny. He kicked the matter up the judicial ladder, referring it to Chief Justice Martha Koome for the empanelment of a special bench to examine the legal challenges.
A ruling on the case is expected on June 23, meaning the IEBC’s new leadership could be walking a legal tightrope before even assuming office.
Still, the President’s move has stirred political chatter and public curiosity. Can this new IEBC team rewrite the narrative around Kenya’s electoral credibility? Can they deliver reforms that go beyond slogans to produce real change in how elections are managed?
The IEBC’s job isn’t just about vote tallying. It’s about managing by-elections, redrawing electoral boundaries, and ensuring the entire voting process meets constitutional standards. That’s no small task—especially in a country where electoral outcomes often spark intense political and public reactions.
President Ruto’s administration is betting that new leadership will bring a clean slate, fresh thinking, and ultimately, improved voter confidence.
But the lingering court case underscores the fragility of the process and the weight of public scrutiny. In the court of law—and the court of public opinion—the IEBC’s credibility remains a hot-button issue.
For now, the spotlight is firmly on Ethekon and his team. If and when the court gives the green light, the real work begins: building a transparent, tech-forward, and trusted electoral commission that can stand up to the demands of modern democracy.
