Ethekon: I’ll stay and deliver free, fair elections

IEBC chair nominee Erastus Ethekon has promised to lead a transparent and accountable commission that earns the trust of Kenyans and delivers credible elections.

He said the new team must confront doubts about the electoral process by engaging the public, being open to scrutiny, and addressing concerns without delay.

"Trust is built by reaffirming our values, our laws, and making sure the public understands the process," he told the National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.

"If Kenyans trust the system, it won’t matter whether we use electronic or manual voting. What matters is openness."

Asked whether he would flee to Johannesburg if elections were bungled under his watch, Ethekon responded firmly: "This is my country, and I love it. I work in South Africa because I serve the African Union, but I will stay and serve Kenya."

He assured the committee that any cases of malpractice would be dealt with firmly.

"Let’s trust the new IEBC. When we identify issues, we will face them directly," he said.

Ethekon revealed that his total net worth stands at Sh277 million.

"It includes land, livestock, Safaricom shares, vehicles, and some expected payments from the AU and Turkana County," he explained.

He added that he still expects income from livestock farming.

Dadaab MP Maalim Farah jokingly told him, "Your animals will multiply, and that means more income."

Ethekon stressed that he would be guided only by the Constitution and the law in his decisions.

"I understand the weight of this office, and I will carry it with integrity," he said.

The vetting process resumed after months of delay caused by a legal case on regional and gender balance.

With the court now allowing the process to continue, Parliament is moving ahead with the approval of both the chairperson and new commissioners ahead of the 2027 general election