Lobby welcomes IEBC chair appointee, calls for probe into Koimburi abduction claims

Bunge La Mwananchi has welcomed the nomination of Erastus Ethekon as the new chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) by President William Ruto.

The civic lobby group urged the swift removal of any legal or procedural hurdles to allow the vetting and eventual appointment of Ethekon and his team to prepare for the 2027 General Elections.

Although the High Court in Nairobi on Thursday halted the swearing-in of the IEBC team, it allowed Parliament to proceed with vetting.

“Mr. Ethekon’s career reflects a rare blend of legal acumen, deep governance experience, and a profound, practical connection with the youth and marginalised communities across Kenya,” said Zachariah Mibei, former President of Bunge La Mwananchi, speaking on behalf of current president Mark Ababu.

Mibei praised Ethekon’s extensive two-decade experience with institutions such as the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). He highlighted Ethekon’s work in inclusive governance, youth empowerment, peace-building, and human rights.

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Speaking during a press briefing at Jevanjee Gardens, Nairobi, the group said Ethekon is well connected to the youth, not as statistics, but as stakeholders.

“It’s this strong connection that has earned him the nickname ‘The Gen Z Chairman’ among our members. He has worked tirelessly on programs that promote youth participation in elections, civic education, and economic empowerment,” said Maurice Masiga, Deputy President.

Masiga added that Ethekon’s ability to directly engage with the frustrations, hopes, and potential of Kenya’s youth uniquely positions him to transform the IEBC’s communication and education strategies.

The lobby further cited Ethekon’s academic background, which includes multiple master’s degrees in peace and conflict studies, project management, and energy law, as a testament to his preparedness. His extensive work in electoral reform, public policy, and post-conflict recovery were also noted as assets.

“Kenya’s democratic future requires bold and principled leadership rooted in the grassroots. Mr. Ethekon embodies these qualities,” Mibei added. “His inclusive leadership and ability to foster partnerships between citizens, institutions, and government align with the aspirations of the Kenyan people.”

Meanwhile, the group also called for a speedy investigation into the alleged abduction of Juja MP George Koimburi.

James Okumu, a member of Bunge La Mwananchi, urged Parliament to suspend Koimburi from all House sessions and bar him from accessing Parliament for the remainder of his term should investigations reveal that he faked the incident.