Kalonzo Casts Doubt Over Nomination of Erastus Ethekon as IEBC Chair
Kalonzo Casts Doubt Over Nomination of Erastus Ethekon as IEBC Chair
“We are extremely concerned that Mr. Ruto chose to be partisan by ignoring the principle of consultation and concurrence in his recommendations to the chairman and members of the IEBC. This action has automatically created a low-trust institution,” Kalonzo wrote in part.
According to Kalonzo, Ruto’s choice has cast doubt not only on the upcoming by-elections but also on the 2027 General Election.
”As we had stated in prior correspondence on the subject, it is now evident that the intention is to rig not only the next election but also the upcoming by-elections,” Kalonzo continued.
On Thursday, President Ruto nominated Ethekon as the new IEBC chair.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei announced the appointment after President Ruto received the report of the IEBC Selection Panel on Tuesday this week.
Apart from the chairman, Ruto nominated six other individuals to serve as members of the commission, after vetting by Parliament.
The six nominated members are Ann Njeri Nderitu (Registrar of Political Parties), Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah.
While revealing that the opposition will release a comprehensive statement on why they are rejecting the nominees, Kalonzo made their stand clear: they have no confidence in Ruto’s choice.
Subject to parliamentary approval, Ethekon — the former Turkana County Attorney — is now set to replace the late former IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati, who lost his life in February this year.
Under the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act, 2011, parliament now has 21 days to vet the nominees after receiving their names from the President.
Kalonzo Casts Doubt Over Nomination of Erastus Ethekon as IEBC Chair
