Ruto nominated me but as IEBC chair I won't favour him, or anybody else- Ethekon

Nominated Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Erastus Ethekon has denied claims that he would favour President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, telling MPs he will act with fairness and uphold the law if confirmed as the commission’s chair.

Ethekon appeared before the National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee on Saturday, where he was pressed to clarify whether he would be biased in President Ruto’s favour.

“Absolutely, I will not be. I shall not be,” he said.

Ethekon was responding to Dabaab MP Faraha Maalim who asked whether he would be biased toward the President, who nominated him.

The nominee also told the committee chaired by Tharaka MP George Murugara and deputised by Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West) that he had already sworn an affidavit to declare his commitment to impartiality.

“I shall be guided by the law. No office, whether big or small, will influence me,” he told the committee.

Ethekon added that all presidential candidates would be treated equally under his leadership. “These are my clients. These are the people we serve. We must ensure that Kenyans trust the process and the outcome,” he said.

He also addressed questions about his past working relationships, especially with former Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok and current Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai. He said his dealings with both leaders were strictly professional.

Ethekon served as the Turkana County Attorney and stated that his relationship with Nanok was purely professional, stemming from their six years of working together in the county government.

“I worked with Nanok for four years as county attorney and with Lomorukai for two more years. My relationship with both governors was professional and ended when I left office,” he said.

Responding to concerns about potential conflicts of interest, Ethekon said relationships formed in public service should not raise alarm.

“No man is an island. But the Constitution says IEBC is independent and must not be controlled by any person or authority,” he said.

He assured the committee that anyone who doubts his conduct would have the right to seek his removal if he violates the law.

“If I misbehave, Article 251 gives any citizen the right to petition for my removal,” Ethekon said.

Ethekon also dismissed claims that he is related to a sitting MP who was mentioned during the session. “We are not related at all. Not even by clan or village,” he said.

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