Turkana: The Turkana Professionals' Association, led by their chairman Jackson Nakusa, has extended their gratitude to President William Ruto for the nomination of Erastus Ethekon as the chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
According to Kenya News Agency, President Ruto on Thursday nominated Ethekon alongside six other commissioners to lead the electoral body. They now await approval of the National Assembly before they can assume their new roles.
"This nomination is not only a significant milestone for Ethekon but also a profound honour for the Turkana community, other pastoralist groups, and marginalized populations across the country. It reflects a commitment to inclusivity, equity, and national cohesion, values that are deeply embedded in our constitution," said the professionals' body.
They described Ethekon as a highly qualified, competent, and experienced professional whose leadership was expected to bring integrity, impartiality, and unwavering commitment to the commission.
"His appointment symbolizes a progressive Kenya, one that values merit, professionalism, and unity over ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic background," they averred.
Further, they added that the nomination dispels long-held myths and affirms that all Kenyans, regardless of their ethnic background, have the capacity to serve in prestigious national positions.
They at the same time appealed to the National Assembly to approve the nomination of Ethekon as the chairperson of IEBC in recognition of his qualifications and dedication to the public service.
Mary Ekutan, the Secretary General of a Professionals Women Group in the county (Echami Aito), said the nominations had proved to the rest of the country that residents of the county are well qualified to head critical positions in the country.
She added that the broad-based government, which includes Raila Odinga, had a hand in the appointment of county residents, among them Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs, ASALs, and Regional Development Beatrice Askul.
Former councilor and politician Lazarus Echakan said the nomination was a momentous occasion for the county, which proved that professionals in the county stood a chance to compete and emerge winners on the national stage.
Leaders in the county, including CS Askul and Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, also congratulated Ethekon and appealed to the National Assembly to approve him as chairperson of the IEBC.
Those nominated as commissioners were Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Mukwana, Mary Karen Soroboit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah.