UNCOVERING DETAILS ABOUT RUTO IEBC NOMINEES. President Ruto...
THEE ALFA HOUSE@thee_alfa_house
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May 09, 2025
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UNCOVERING DETAILS ABOUT RUTO IEBC NOMINEES.
President Ruto yesterday nominated the IEBC Chairperson alongside six others for membership of the Commission.
We put a face to each of the 7 IEBC nominees, with a concise explainer on who they are: verified details and notable controversies.
An in-law to Junet Mohamed? Accused of multimillion corruption? Ties to State House?
THREAD 🧵
President Ruto yesterday nominated the IEBC Chairperson alongside six others for membership of the Commission.
We put a face to each of the 7 IEBC nominees, with a concise explainer on who they are: verified details and notable controversies.
An in-law to Junet Mohamed? Accused of multimillion corruption? Ties to State House?
THREAD 🧵
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1/7. Erastus Edung Ethekon (IEBC Chairperson Nominee)
Who is he?
A 48-year-old human rights lawyer and governance expert from Turkana County, Ethekon served as Turkana County Attorney under former Governor Josphat Nanok - who is now President Ruto’s State House Comptroller. He holds three Master’s degrees and worked for the UNDP on legal reforms. He would be the youngest IEBC boss ever.
Political Ties & Controversy:
Ethekon advised Nanok’s administration, and some claim (without proof) that during his tenure was linked to financial mismanagement in Turkana. Interestingly, Nanok was Ruto’s chief agent in the 2022 elections, fueling allegations that Ethekon’s nomination is part of a plan to influence the 2027 polls. No evidence ties him to corruption nor are claims for utilizing this connection to rig have been substantiated, but critics question his independence.
Why it matters:
His legal expertise is solid, but his ties to Nanok, a key Ruto ally, raise eyebrows. If approved, he’ll oversee an election where, technically, his former boss has a vested interest.
Who is he?
A 48-year-old human rights lawyer and governance expert from Turkana County, Ethekon served as Turkana County Attorney under former Governor Josphat Nanok - who is now President Ruto’s State House Comptroller. He holds three Master’s degrees and worked for the UNDP on legal reforms. He would be the youngest IEBC boss ever.
Political Ties & Controversy:
Ethekon advised Nanok’s administration, and some claim (without proof) that during his tenure was linked to financial mismanagement in Turkana. Interestingly, Nanok was Ruto’s chief agent in the 2022 elections, fueling allegations that Ethekon’s nomination is part of a plan to influence the 2027 polls. No evidence ties him to corruption nor are claims for utilizing this connection to rig have been substantiated, but critics question his independence.
Why it matters:
His legal expertise is solid, but his ties to Nanok, a key Ruto ally, raise eyebrows. If approved, he’ll oversee an election where, technically, his former boss has a vested interest.
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2/7. Ann Nderitu (Commissioner Nominee).
Who is she?
The current Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) from Nyandarua, Nderitu regulates party registrations and funding. She’s a seasoned electoral administrator with decades of experience.
Controversy & Recognition:
In March 2023, President Ruto awarded her the President’s Award on Women Leadership, praising her public service. While this highlights her credibility and achievement, it also suggests a close relationship with the Ruto administration, leading some to question her neutrality in the IEBC.
Why it matters:
Her ORPP role makes her a top pick, but her government ties could spark debates during vetting about whether she’ll act independently in 2027.
Who is she?
The current Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) from Nyandarua, Nderitu regulates party registrations and funding. She’s a seasoned electoral administrator with decades of experience.
Controversy & Recognition:
In March 2023, President Ruto awarded her the President’s Award on Women Leadership, praising her public service. While this highlights her credibility and achievement, it also suggests a close relationship with the Ruto administration, leading some to question her neutrality in the IEBC.
Why it matters:
Her ORPP role makes her a top pick, but her government ties could spark debates during vetting about whether she’ll act independently in 2027.
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3/7. Hassan Noor Hassan (Commissioner Nominee)
Who is he?
Little is available about him but he is a nominee from Mandera suggested to be a former Moi-era Provincial Commissioner (PC).
Explosive Claims:
Allegedly tied to the Ksh5.8B NYS scandal and Mau Forest graft, according to Miguna Miguna though no evidence has been shown by him or anyone else to support the outrageous accusations. Also said to be Junet Mohamed’s brother-in-law.
Why it matters:
His last-minute addition to the list sparked “unconstitutional” complaints, and if the graft claims surface in vetting, it could derail his approval.
Who is he?
Little is available about him but he is a nominee from Mandera suggested to be a former Moi-era Provincial Commissioner (PC).
Explosive Claims:
Allegedly tied to the Ksh5.8B NYS scandal and Mau Forest graft, according to Miguna Miguna though no evidence has been shown by him or anyone else to support the outrageous accusations. Also said to be Junet Mohamed’s brother-in-law.
Why it matters:
His last-minute addition to the list sparked “unconstitutional” complaints, and if the graft claims surface in vetting, it could derail his approval.
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4/7. Moses Alutalala Mukhwana (Commissioner Nominee).
Who is he?
A political commentator from Kakamega, Mukhwana pushed for merging the IEBC Chairperson and CEO roles to avoid clashes like those in 2022.
Controversy:
Unverified claims say he’s Musalia Mudavadi’s lawyer and signed the ANC-UDA merger deal. If true, it could imply political bias, but no proof exists.
Why it matters:
His reform ideas are practical, but his rumored links to Kenya Kwanza insiders might draw scrutiny.
Who is he?
A political commentator from Kakamega, Mukhwana pushed for merging the IEBC Chairperson and CEO roles to avoid clashes like those in 2022.
Controversy:
Unverified claims say he’s Musalia Mudavadi’s lawyer and signed the ANC-UDA merger deal. If true, it could imply political bias, but no proof exists.
Why it matters:
His reform ideas are practical, but his rumored links to Kenya Kwanza insiders might draw scrutiny.
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5/7. Francis Odhiambo Aduol (Commissioner Nominee).
Who is he?
A Kisumu nominee, and ex-Vice Chancellor of the Technical University of Kenya (TUK).
Why it matters:
His academic background adds credibility, but his late nomination fuels transparency concerns.
Who is he?
A Kisumu nominee, and ex-Vice Chancellor of the Technical University of Kenya (TUK).
Why it matters:
His academic background adds credibility, but his late nomination fuels transparency concerns.
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6/7. Mary Karen Sorobit (Commissioner Nominee).
Who is she?
From Uasin Gishu (Ruto’s backyard), details about her career are scarce.
Why it matters:
Her low profile could mean she’s uncontroversial.
Who is she?
From Uasin Gishu (Ruto’s backyard), details about her career are scarce.
Why it matters:
Her low profile could mean she’s uncontroversial.
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7/7. Fahima Araphat Abdallah (Commissioner Nominee).
Who is she?
A Lamu nominee with minimal public info.
Why it matters:
Represents coastal regions but faces the same opacity issues as others added last-minute.
Who is she?
A Lamu nominee with minimal public info.
Why it matters:
Represents coastal regions but faces the same opacity issues as others added last-minute.
