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Turkana pride: Celebrations as Erastus Ethekon nominated as next IEBC boss
Erastus Edung Ethekon, a candidate for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson position.
There was celebration in Turkana County after President William Ruto nominated Mr Erastus Ethekon as the chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Mr Paul Jalinga, a resident of Kakuma who worked with Mr Ethekon during his tenure as the first county attorney, said the nomination is a testimony that the President has faith in all Kenyans regardless of the regions or communities they come from.
"It is out of the love and trust that the President has for the Turkana community that he has nominated one of us to sit on the decision making table. It is now up to us as residents to remain united and support his government to deliver on the development agenda," said Mr Jalinga.
He described the nominee as a mentor, motivator, visionary and courageous who has mentored his juniors to rise to top leadership positions including the current District Attorney, Ms Ruth Emanikor.
Mr Stanley Loter, a resident of Turkana East Constituency, said these were incredible moments for Turkana as a community. "Mr Ethekon is such an upright and well organised gentleman and Kenya will be proud to have him at the helm of IEBC affairs."
Youth in Turkana led by Thomas Kiyonga said the nomination of Erastus Ethekon, a native of Morulem village, was more than a personal milestone; it's a symbol of changing tides, noting that Mr Ethekon, celebrated for his stellar academic record, professional expertise and tireless dedication, now stands as a beacon of hope for a region long sidelined by history.
Mr Kiyonga said that for decades, the Turkana community dared not dream of such opportunities and that securing even a single appointment in a sea of hundreds felt like a miracle.
"Under President William Ruto’s administration, the narrative is changing. Turkana leaders are now ascending to pivotal roles in government, signaling a bold departure from the past and a promise of equitable representation. Mr Ethekon’s nomination transcends individual achievement. It ignites hope not just for Turkana but for all pastoralist communities historically marginalized by systemic inequities," he said.
He said the youth were now inspired by the nomination that in Kenya today, one's place of birth no longer determines one's destiny.
"We are challenged that one's tribe no longer stops one from being ambitious. Mr Ethekon's rise from the arid plains of Turkana to the halls of national governance proves that talent, when nurtured, can break down even the deepest barriers," said Mr Kiyonga.
Mr Henry Lotiir, a young lawyer, added that it was a defining moment that instilled optimism and hope for greatness in every pastoralist child and that even the sky was not the limit.
Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai said Mr Ethekon was a distinguished legal expert and the first Turkana County Attorney who had demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and dedication to public service.
"We sincerely thank President William Ruto for recognising Ethekon's abilities and entrusting him with this noble responsibility to lead Kenya's electoral body. We are confident that his vast experience will contribute to a transparent, fair and credible electoral process in our country," said Mr Lomorukai.
He said he believed his nomination would be approved by Parliament.
Turkana South MP Dr John Ariko said as a pastoralist leader, particularly from Turkana, the nomination came at a time when he didn't expect a small community like Turkana to lead Kenya's electoral process.
His Loima Constituency counterpart, Dr Protus Akujah, said although it was a historic moment for Turkana, he believed Mr Ethekon would deliver.
Some residents had already expressed hope that one of their own would be the next IEBC chairperson as soon as they heard that President Ruto had received the report on the recruitment of candidates for the positions of chairperson and members of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from the IEBC selection panel at State House, Nairobi.
Mr Erastus Ethekon, a 48-year-old lawyer, is among the 11 candidates interviewed for the position of chairman.
They said that historically the leadership of the IEBC has not reflected the full diversity of the nation and that the nomination of Mr Ethekon, who hails from Turkana, considered one of the country's minority communities, would send a strong message of inclusion and equality.
Mr Jonathan Lokwawi, a resident, said that with the appointment of Kenya's next IEBC chairperson now in its final stages, the President should seize this opportunity as part of his calculated moves to redress historical injustices and promote the participation of all communities in shaping Kenya's democratic future.
"As a community, we trust that the President, who is expected in the county on a development tour, will give this matter his utmost consideration and act in the best interest of the country's unity, justice and democratic integrity," said Mr Lokwawi.
Another resident, Mr Philip Aemun, said Mr Ethekon is a highly qualified professional whose experience, integrity and deep understanding of Kenya's electoral processes make him an ideal candidate for this crucial role.
Mr Aemun said his track record demonstrated a commitment to fairness, transparency and leadership - qualities essential to the credibility and effectiveness of the IEBC.
"In addition, Mr Ethekon comes from an area that was once marginalised but is benefiting from devolution, it is time for the minority to be at the decision-making table," he said.
He noted that marginalised communities are under-represented in senior positions, and that it would be great for their countries to have candidates from marginalised communities recognised at the highest levels of national leadership.
During the interview, Mr Ethekon promised to prioritise the rights of marginalised communities in the electoral process if appointed to lead the commission.
He stressed the need for a rights-based approach to addressing electoral barriers, ensuring that every stage - from voter registration to vote counting - takes into account the unique struggles of marginalised groups.
"I will ensure that a rights-based approach is applied to voter registration, voter education and polling. This will help to address the specific needs of these communities," Ethekon added.
He also proposed the introduction of mobile voter registration units to reach remote areas with poor infrastructure and limited access to electoral services.