Duale defends IEBC chair, says attacks are not merit-based

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has come out strongly in support of newly appointed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, dismissing growing criticism over his leadership as unfounded and unrelated to merit.

Speaking on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Nairobi, Duale hailed the swearing-in of Ethekon, saying it signalled a new chapter for Kenya’s electoral body, and urged Kenyans to judge the IEBC chair based on his qualifications and integrity, not his background.

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“I’m very happy today. For the first time, a minority has become the IEBC chair. He comes from Turkana, he is very qualified, and he will deliver in 2027,” Duale stated during his address.

Ethekon, who officially took the oath of office on Friday, July 11, 2025, was sworn in alongside six newly appointed commissioners at the Supreme Court of Kenya in a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome.

The full commission now includes Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah.

Duale emphasised that the new team had been lawfully constituted and entrusted with the enormous responsibility of overseeing the upcoming by-elections and laying the foundation for a credible 2027 General Election.

“The constitution has given him that position, and once the IEBC has been put in place, I know the election in 2027 will be credible,” Duale said, defending the commission’s integrity.

The cabinet secretary noted that public confidence in the electoral body is vital and urged political players to allow the new commissioners to discharge their mandate without premature attacks or unfounded allegations.

With the IEBC now fully reconstituted, its immediate tasks include conducting six parliamentary by-elections, one Senate by-election, 15 MCA seat contests, auditing the voter register, and overseeing the procurement of new election technology, including replacing the KIEMS and BVRS kits.

Duale’s remarks underline the government’s readiness to support the Ethekon-led team in restoring electoral credibility and preparing Kenya for a fair and transparent 2027 poll