From Treetop Studies to National Service: IEBC Nominee's Emotional Journey

IEBC Nominee's Emotional Testimony: From Turkana's Dusty Village to National Spotlight Erastus Ethekon, nominee for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chair, delivered a powerful and emotional testimony during his approval hearing at the National Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. His story, recounted with visible emotion, detailed his primary school years spent studying under a tree in a remote Turkana village due to the lack of proper classrooms. "I started my primary school under a casuarina tree," Ethekon shared, his voice thick with emotion. "We did not have classrooms." This challenging environment, however, did not deter him. He went on to achieve academic excellence, earning an A-minus in his 1991 KCSE exams. This achievement, he stated, moved him from the hardships of Turkana to Nairobi, where he attended Starehe Boys Centre and School. Ethekon's journey is a testament to resilience and determination. His emotional account adds a human element to the often-formal process of political appointments, reminding the public of the diverse backgrounds and struggles of those who aspire to public service. His commitment to public service, honed through his personal experiences, is a powerful message in itself.