My age is a non-issue, Ethekon tells IEBC panel

IEBC chairperson candidate Erastus Edung Ethekon says he will seek guidance from the Judiciary and the Attorney General’s office on boundary delimitation if successful.

Ethekon,  the fifth candidate to appear before the IEBC selection panel, said he would first assess the progress made in the delimitation process before seeking expert advice.

Addressing concerns about his age, the 48-year-old dismissed it as a non-factor, saying that he has the energy, experience, and resilience required to lead the electoral agency.

On the management of the commission’s resources, Ethekon pledged to tighten internal processes to prevent misuse.

’I will tighten internal processes to ensure good management of resources,’’ he said.

When asked whether he was prepared for the pressure that comes with the job, Ethekon expressed confidence in his ability to handle the challenges.

“As an individual, I have the stamina, the strength, the mental capacity to withstand the pressures of the role. I am well aware.”

Responding to a question about the 2022 election, when chaos erupted during the announcement of results, the lawyer highlighted the need for dialogue to manage disputes.

“As the chair, I will work with electoral stakeholders, including political leaders, to discuss managing their situation if one doesn’t emerge as the winner,” said Ethekon.

The former Turkana County attorney also outlined plans to restore public trust in the commission, ensuring that candidates, observers, and Kenyans accept election outcomes.

On Monday, March 24, the IEBC Selection panel, chaired by Nelson Makanda, interviewed four candidates: Abdulqadir Lorot, Anne Amadi, Charles Nyachae, and Edward Ngeya.

Those scheduled to appear today include Ethekon, Francis Kissinger, Jacob Muvengei, and Joy Brenda Mdivo.

The search for a new IEBC chairperson continues tomorrow, Wednesday, with the final candidates set to be interviewed at the College of Insurance in South C, Nairobi.