IEBC chair candidate Ethekon vows to prioritise accountability, transparency in public funds
Ethekon said his first step as chair would be to review past audit reports to identify existing weaknesses and implement corrective measures.
IEBC chairperson candidate Erastus Ethekon has pledged to prioritise accountability and transparency in financial management if given the job.
He stressed the need to address loopholes in the commission’s financial systems to ensure public funds are properly utilized.
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Speaking before the Selection Panel on Tuesday, Ethekon said his first step as chair would be to review past audit reports to identify existing weaknesses and implement corrective measures.
He noted that previous Auditor General reports had pointed out specific areas of concern, which he would examine closely to establish the best approach.
“As a new chair, I will begin by taking a sample of these reports to understand where the problem is. The auditors have done their job thoroughly and highlighted the loopholes. We will interrogate these reports, consider the recommendations of the Auditor General and the Public Accounts Committee, and set up an implementation framework with timelines to address them,” Ethekon stated.
Ethekon acknowledged that financial mismanagement might not always involve lost funds but could stem from weak internal processes.
He proposed strengthening financial oversight mechanisms, including risk management procedures and procurement controls, to prevent potential misuse of resources.
“It could be that the money has not been lost but that there are weaknesses in internal processes. We need to strengthen financial and risk management policies to enhance accountability,” Ethekon said.
Audit and risk management committees
He also noted that many corporate institutions have internal audit and risk management committees led by external professionals, and he believes the IEBC has a similar structure that should be reinforced.
“I believe the commission has such a committee, and we will assess its role in managing financial and fiduciary risks, particularly those related to procurement. The goal is to seal all loopholes and hopefully work towards obtaining an unqualified audit report,” Ethekon explained.
Beyond financial accountability, Ethekon addressed the external pressures that come with leading the IEBC, revealing that his decision to apply for the position had elicited mixed reactions.
“There are those who congratulated me and encouraged me to go for it because they believe I have what it takes. But there were also those who told me not to do it, warning me of the risks involved,” he said.
Despite these concerns, he said he chose to pursue the position because the constitution requires a Kenyan to hold the office.
“When I soul-searched, I realised that if I don’t go for it, another Kenyan must. Unless we are talking about outsourcing the job, someone has to do it, and that is why I am here, fully aware of the pressures,” Ethekon stated.
Ethekon, a former Turkana County Attorney, holds a Master of Laws degree in oil and gas from the University of Derby in the United Kingdom.
He currently works as a consultant partner at Northern Consulting Solution and runs E. Ethekon & Co. Advocates
If appointed, he said he would prioritize unresolved issues from the 2022 elections, including the pending by-elections.
“I will prioritize boundaries delimitation and collaborate with the judiciary to determine the best approach for this process given our time constraints,” Ethekon said.
His interview was part of an ongoing selection process to fill the IEBC chairperson position, with 11 candidates shortlisted. The interviews are set to conclude on March 26, 2025
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