Real Reason Ruto Chose Ethekon Over Nyachae As IEBC Chairperson: Gachagua

Also named for appointment to the commission by the President, as commissioners, were Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, Fahima Araphat Abdallah, Mary Karen Sorobit, Ann Njeri Nderitu, and Moses Alutalala Mukhwana.

Viral Tea Ke Writer Viral Tea Ke Writer
May 12, 2025 - 11:45 Updated: May 12, 2025 - 11:49
0
Real Reason Ruto Chose Ethekon Over Nyachae As IEBC Chairperson: Gachagua
IEBC Chairperson position nominee Erastus Edung Ethekon while facing the IEBC selection panel. /KBC DIGITAL

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that President William Ruto settled for Erastus Edung Ethekon from Turkana County for consideration as the next chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) owing to experience working for former Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok.

Speaking during an interview with Egesa FM on Monday morning, May 12, Gachagua claimed that Nanok's current position as State House comptroller made it easy for Ruto to opt for Ethekon, at the expense of popular names such as Anne Amadi and Charles Nyachae.

However, the former second-in-command argued that this would harm the IEBC as both Ruto and Ethekon would play a big role in twisting the IEBC's impartial mandate to their favour, especially during the 2027 general elections.

President William Ruto receives the official report on the IEBC Chairperson and Commissioner recruitment process at State House, Nairobi on May 5, 2025. /PCS

"The one who has been nominated Chairman was working at Nanok's office. Nanok is an employee of the President, therefore, they will be planning for IEBC at State House," Gachagua claimed.

Also named for appointment to the commission by the President, as commissioners, were Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, Fahima Araphat Abdallah, Mary Karen Sorobit, Ann Njeri Nderitu, and Moses Alutalala Mukhwana.

At the same time, Gachagua claimed Ruto picked Ethekon purely because he couldn’t stomach the idea of Nyachae landing the powerful IEBC Chair role. He suggested old beef between Ruto and Nyachae’s late father, Simeon Nyachae, played a major part in blocking the nomination.

“We have received reports from the panel that Charles Nyachae was the top contender for the IEBC chair seat. The president was given two names, and he dismissed Nyachae," Gachagua alleged.

"I have been told that the President has a problem with the Abagusii community because the late Simeon Nyachae beat him in South Mugirango, which is why he has a problem with this community and thus did not pick Charles Nyachae."

Gachagua also made it clear he backed Nyachae, arguing he had way more experience than Ethekon. He pointed to Nyachae’s past roles — leading the commission on constitution implementation and serving as a judge at the East African Court of Justice — as proof he was the ideal pick.

Gachagua added that Nyachae’s wealth and status meant he could do the job independently, without being swayed by external forces.

"If Charles Nyachae had been selected, Kenyans would have been content because he is known and he has his own wealth, not someone who can be enticed with money," he claimed.

"Secondly, he has a proven track record that he can do the job as needed. He was the chairman for the implementation of the constitution, and he did very well. He has been a judge at the East African Court of Justice."

The seven nominees still need to go through vetting and be sworn in before officially joining the commission. Gachagua’s claims come as pressure mounts for the release of the Selection Panel’s report, which is still sitting at State House.

President Ruto hasn’t explained why he picked Ethekon to head the IEBC, but his allies insist Ethekon is qualified and should be cleared by the National Assembly.

Charles Nyachae when he appeared before the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel. /FILE

Tags: