Ethekon: We can’t outsource somebody to take up IEBC job

Former Turkana County Attorney Erastus Ethekon has affirmed his ability to withstand any external pressures if given the job to be the next IEBC chairperson.

Ethekon who was appearing before the Selection Panel said he fully understands the challenges that come with the role.

He admitted that even the application process for the job attracted mixed reactions from various quarters.

“There are those who said congratulations, go for it you have what it takes and then there are those who said no don’t go for it you are going to die and all those negative things,” he explained.

Ethekon stressed that despite this negativity, he made his own decision and applied for it adding the constitution was clear that it is a preserve of a Kenyan and we cannot outsource.

“When I soul-searched, I said even if I don’t go there some Kenyan must do this job unless we are talking of outsourcing it to somebody,” he stated.

“If the constitution says a Kenyan citizen must do it because that is what the law says, then somebody has to do it, that is why I am here while aware of those pressures.”

Ethekon holds a Masters of Laws Degree in oil and gas from the University of Derby in the United Kingdom.

He is currently a consultant partner in the Northern consulting solution and E.Ethekon & Co. Advocates.

Others lined up to appear during the second day of the interviews are Francis Kissinger, Jacob Muvengei and Joy Brenda Masinde.

On Monday, four other candidates including Abdulqadir Lorot, Charles Nyachae, Anne Amadi and Edrward Ngeyaa were interviewed.

Some 11 candidates were shortlisted.

The exercise ends on March 26, before the commencement of that of the member position.

Ethekon at the same time stated that if appointed, his first job is to address pending issues from the 2022 elections that require the Commission's attention, including approximately 12 pending by-elections.