Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto’s choice of Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman has automatically created a low-trust institution, according to Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Kalonzo said Ruto failed to consult different political groups, including the opposition, to ensure fairness and inclusivity, before making his choice.
“We are extremely concerned that Mr Ruto chose to be partisan by ignoring the principle of consultation and concurrence in his recommendation of the chairman and members of the IEBC. This action has automatically created a low-trust institution,” Kalonzo said.
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 General Election but also the upcoming by-elections,” Kalonzo said.
On Thursday, President Ruto nominated Ethekon, who is from Turkana County , as the new IEBC chairman, alongside six people expected to serve as members of the commission.
In a statement, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei listed the six as Ann Njeri Nderitu (Nyandarua), Moses Alutalala Mukhwana (Kakamega), Mary Karen Sorobit, (Uasin Gishu), Hassan Noor Hassan (Mandera), Francis Odhiambo Aduol (Kisumu) , and Fahima Araphat Abdallah (Lamu).
President Ruto made the appointments after receiving the report of the IEBC Selection Panel on Tuesday this week.
The appointees are expected to be vetted by Parliament at a date to be announced.
Kalonzo has informed that the opposition will release a comprehensive statement on why they are rejecting the nominees, noting they have no confidence in Ruto’s choice.
Subject to parliamentary approval, Ethekon — the former Turkana County Attorney — will replace the 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.
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