EXCLUSIVE: Nanok’s Former Lawyer Erastus Ethekon Emerges as Dark Horse for IEBC Chair Position

Political insiders have revealed that Erastus Edung Ethekon, a 48-year-old lawyer and former Turkana County attorney, has emerged as President William Ruto’s preferred candidate to chair the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

While public attention has focused on prominent names like Anne Amadi and Charles Nyachae, sources close to State House suggest Ethekon’s candidacy represents a calculated political maneuver with significant implications for Kenya’s electoral future.

The Power Behind the Throne

Turkana County Governor Josphat Nanok, who is the Director General of Deputy President William Ruto’s Presidential campaign during an interview at his office in Lodwar town, Turkana County on March 25, 2022.
JARED NYATAYA (Eldoret).

Ethekon’s path to consideration runs through Josphat Nanok, President Ruto’s influential deputy chief of staff and former Turkana Governor.

The two men’s professional relationship dates back to Nanok’s governorship, when Ethekon served as county attorney.

“Ethekon’s candidacy makes perfect sense when you look at the political chess board,” explained a senior official familiar with the selection process who requested anonymity. “His connection to Nanok places him within the President’s trusted circle.”

Nanok himself played a pivotal role in Ruto’s successful 2022 presidential campaign, cementing his position as a key strategist within the administration.

This relationship has fueled speculation that Ethekon’s potential appointment represents a strategic effort to install an ally at the helm of Kenya’s electoral body.

Making His Case

During his March interview with the IEBC selection panel, Ethekon outlined ambitious plans to restore public confidence in the commission.

He emphasized his commitment to transparent electoral processes and collaborative stakeholder engagement.

“I have the energy and experience to lead,” Ethekon told the panel, addressing concerns about his relative youth compared to other candidates.

His vision includes implementing internal reforms that would allow commissioners to formally register dissenting opinions, potentially preventing the post-election disputes that have plagued previous electoral cycles.

Professionally, Ethekon built his reputation in Turkana County, where his legal expertise contributed to several development initiatives, including securing funding for community projects and launching an investment portal in partnership with the International Finance Corporation.

Questions of Integrity

Ethekon’s candidacy has not escaped scrutiny.

Unconfirmed reports suggest financial irregularities occurred during his tenure in Turkana’s county government.

These allegations point to inflated pending bills and questionable spending patterns, including substantial daily expenditures on travel and per diems during COVID-19 restrictions.

Critics also highlight the operation of unauthorized bank accounts within the Turkana County Executive and alleged misappropriation of COVID-19 emergency funds during this period.

However, no official records directly implicate Ethekon in any wrongdoing, and his public service record shows involvement in peace initiatives and administrative appointments.

Strategic Diversion?

Political analysts suggest the prominence given to candidates like Amadi and Nyachae may represent a deliberate strategy to deflect attention from Ethekon’s candidacy until an official announcement is made.

“The President understands the significance of controlling the electoral commission,” noted another source close to the selection process. “Floating other names creates breathing room for the actual appointment.”

What It Means

The IEBC chairperson wields considerable influence over Kenya’s electoral framework.

The appointment of Ethekon would likely face intense scrutiny regarding the commission’s independence, particularly given his connections to influential figures within the current administration.

As the selection process enters its final stages, Kenyans await an official announcement that will either confirm these insider claims or redirect the national conversation about the future of electoral management in the country.

The IEBC, tasked with ensuring free and fair elections, continues to represent a critical institution in Kenya’s democratic landscape—making the identity of its next leader a matter of significant public interest.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​