IEBC Chair Erastus Ethekon Makes Bold Call to Gen Zs, Bloggers as Electoral Process Begins

by Christine Opanda on Thursday, 14 August 2025 - 9:20 am

An IEBC stand during the South Eastern Kenya National ASK Show in Machakos County, June 7, 2023.

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IEBC

The newly appointed Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Erastus Ethekon, has made a bold call to the youth, influencers, bloggers, and civil society groups as he seeks to ensure that every Kenyan is involved in the democratic process of voting.

The chairperson spoke in Mombasa County on Wednesday, where he had joined fellow IEBC Commissioners for an engaging conversation on the Commission’s outreach strategy ahead of the next electoral cycle.

While the meeting brought together a diverse blend of stakeholders, including media personalities, civil society leaders, and digital influencers, the growing presence and involvement of Gen Z in leadership matters was at the centre of discussion.

According to Ethekon, the discussion involved strategising how to get every Kenyan meaningfully engaged in our democracy, from the pre-election phase to the post-election stage.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon during a meeting at the electoral agency offices on July 30, 2025.

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IEBC

The chairman challenged the influencers and bloggers to use their platforms not just to sell products, but to build the nation.

‘’Let’s shift from clickbait to truth-bait,’’ Ethekon said to the influencers who enjoy a large following and presence on social media.

He urged Gen Z to see themselves not just as future leaders but as current stakeholders whose voices matter now more than ever.

"You’re not just the future, you’re the focus. Your presence today shows you care, not just about the next election, but about the future of our country. Your voice matters now more than ever,’’ Ethekon said.

The chairman also acknowledged the watchdog role of the media and civil societies, welcoming them to continue constructive discussions filled with purpose for a better electoral process.

Ethekon hailed the discussions, revealing that they were important and timely, especially to ensure all groups are heard and their opinions taken into consideration as the country seeks to shape the upcoming elections and the future of the country.

The IEBC’s outreach in Mombasa is part of its initiative to build trust and engagement ahead of the next general election. By connecting with grassroots organisations and digital communities, the Commission aims to foster a culture of accountability and civic pride.

In the recent past, Kenyan youth have been deeply immersed in the leadership of the country, as they, from time to time, demand accountability from leaders and demand responsible leadership. Ethekon has encouraged the spirit and invited them to further engagements around the electoral process.