Erastus Ethekon: I took this job knowing I will not be alone

Erastus Ethekon, chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has stated that the electoral commission will require the support of other institutions and Kenyans to ensure a peaceful, credible, and fair 2027 General Election. Ethekon, who accepted his role knowing it would come with intense pressure and scrutiny, emphasized that he would not have to bear the responsibility alone.

Speaking at the High Level National Election Security Roundtable Consultative Forum on September 2, 2026, Ethekon highlighted the importance of coordination while stressing that the IEBC's constitutional independence does not mean it should operate in isolation. The IEBC, responsible for managing elections, operates within a broader electoral environment involving political parties, regulators, the media, security agencies, and other public institutions.

Ethekon's acceptance of the chairperson's position, he said, was based on his belief that Kenya already had the necessary people and institutions to conduct credible elections. "I said I will go for the hot seat. I will take it because I believe we have what it takes; we have the people, we have institutions that will ensure we deliver a peaceful, credible and fair election in our republic," Ethekon said.

During the forum, he also expressed confidence in Kenyans, describing them as resilient and capable of contributing to the electoral process. This confidence is central to Ethekon's argument that cooperative efforts among various stakeholders are crucial for the success of the 2027 elections. The IEBC's preparations for the upcoming polls will involve working closely with institutions and stakeholders whose roles intersect with the electoral process, not just managing the vote itself.