Who Is Erastus Edung? Meet President Ruto’s nominee for IEBC chairperson
At 48 years old, Edung brushed off concerns about his age, stating that he has what it takes to lead the electoral body.
Erastus Edung Ethekon, a Kenyan advocate with a strong background in law, public service, and international development, has been nominated by President William Ruto to succeed the late Wafula Chebukati as the next chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
He appeared before the IEBC Selection Panel led by Dr. Nelson Makanda on March 25, 2025, where he laid out his plans and priorities if appointed.
At 48 years old, Edung brushed off concerns about his age, stating that he has what it takes to lead the electoral body.
"I have the energy, experience, and resilience required to lead the electoral agency," he said, firmly defending his capability for the demanding role.
Edung promised to focus on the fair management of public resources and said he would prioritize reforms to improve accountability within the commission.
"I will tighten internal processes to ensure good management of resources," he told the panel during the session.
When asked about the complex task of boundary delimitation, Edung stated that he would not rush into the process but would instead begin by reviewing the current status.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration with relevant state offices for legal guidance, saying he would seek direction from the Judiciary and the Attorney General.
"I will seek guidance from the Judiciary and the Attorney General’s office on boundary delimitation," he said.
His approach signaled a leadership style based on consultation, compliance with the law, and a readiness to assess progress before taking major steps.
Edung’s academic credentials span multiple fields and countries.
He holds a Master of Laws Degree in Oil, Gas & Energy Law from the University of Derby in the United Kingdom, which he completed in 2016. Earlier in 2013, he earned a Master of Science Degree in Project Management from the University of Liverpool, also in the UK.
In 2012, he graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Peace, Conflict & Development Studies from Universidad Jaume I in Valencia, Spain.
His interest in international human rights was further demonstrated when he completed a Post Graduate Certificate in the Implementation of International Human Rights Treaties from the University of Nottingham in 2007, under the British Foreign & Commonwealth Chevening Fellowship.
Back in Kenya, Edung received a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Nairobi in 2011, followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Government in 2003.
His career began in 2004 when he took on roles as a Consultant Partner at both Northern Consulting Solution and E. Ethekon & Co. Advocates, where he remains active to this day.
Between 2007 and 2015, he worked at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as a Programs Management Specialist.
He later served from 2015 to 2018 as a Program Coordinator and Chief Technical Advisor in the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Kenya, focusing on area-based development programming.
In 2016, Edung joined the United Nations Development Programme’s Regional Service Centre for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, serving as a Programme Advisor to the African Union.
Back in Kenya, he worked as the County Attorney in the Office of the County Attorney in Turkana County from 2018 until 2024, contributing to legal and policy reforms at the county level.
Through these varied roles, Edung built a career rooted in governance, development, and legal expertise.
His performance during the IEBC interview highlighted his grasp of the institutional needs and the reforms required for effective election management.