Ethekon outlines vision for inclusive electoral process as IEBC chair

Erastus Ethekon, a former Turkana County Attorney, has expressed confidence in his ability to lead the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as its next chairperson, despite the challenges associated with the role.

Ethekon, who appeared before the IEBC Selection Panel on Tuesday, emphasized his understanding of the complexities of the position and his resolve to overcome any external pressures.

Ethekon shared that the process of applying for the job was met with mixed reactions, with some offering encouragement while others voiced concern.

"There are those who said 'Congratulations! Go for it, you have what it takes', and then there are those who said 'no don’t go for it you are going to die' and all those negative things," he explained.

Despite the negative comments, Ethekon said he made a personal decision to apply, stating that the Constitution clearly mandates that the position should be held by a Kenyan citizen.

"When I soul-searched, I said even if I don’t go there, some Kenyan must do this job unless we are talking of outsourcing it to somebody," he said.

"If the constitution says a Kenyan citizen must do it because that is what the law says, then somebody has to do it, that is why I am here while aware of those pressures,” he further emphasized.

Ethekon, who holds a Masters of Laws Degree in Oil and Gas from the University of Derby in the United Kingdom, is currently a consultant partner at Northern Consulting Solutions and E. Ethekon & Co. Advocates.

His candidacy has sparked discussions, and he is one of several individuals vying for the position.

On the second day of interviews, other candidates like Francis Kissinger, Jacob Muvengei, and Joy Brenda Masinde were also expected to appear before the panel.

Ethekon also discussed his plans for the commission if appointed.

He highlighted the importance of addressing pending issues from the 2022 elections, particularly the approximately 12 by-elections that still require attention.

“I will prioritise boundaries delimitation and collaborate with the judiciary to determine the best approach for this process given our time constraints,” he said.

Furthermore, Ethekon emphasized the need for policies that ensure the full inclusion of marginalized communities in the electoral process.

"As chair of the commission, I will have the rare opportunity to look at special groups because I identify as one of them. I have seen their challenges firsthand,” he stated.

His leadership vision includes a rights-based approach to electoral processes, aiming to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of their background, has equal access to voter registration, education, and participation.

One of his key proposals is to introduce mobile voter registration units, particularly in remote areas with poor infrastructure.

"We need to ask: Are these regions accessible? If not, can we, as a commission, use mobile voter registration units to reach them?” he posed.

Ethekon also stressed on the need for better voter education, especially through vernacular radio stations, which are a crucial communication tool in many counties.

"With devolution, many counties have vernacular radio stations. Even in Turkana, we have several. The commission should work with these stations to educate voters in their local language,” he said.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by some regions, such as drought and insecurity, Ethekon proposed that the commission collaborate with county governments and special programs to provide emergency food relief during election periods.

“If people are struggling to survive, voting becomes a luxury. We must ensure they get some relief so they can participate in elections without worrying about their next meal,” he said.

Ethekon’s proposals aim to address the exclusion of certain groups from the electoral process, and if appointed, he vowed to work tirelessly to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of location or background, can exercise their right to vote.