Tag: Charles Nyachae

EXCLUSIVE: Nanok’s Former Lawyer Erastus Ethekon Emerges as Dark Horse for IEBC Chair Position

Political insiders have revealed that Erastus Edung Ethekon, a 48-year-old lawyer and former Turkana County attorney, has emerged as President William Ruto’s preferred candidate to chair the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

While public attention has focused on prominent names like Anne Amadi and Charles Nyachae, sources close to State House suggest Ethekon’s candidacy represents a calculated political maneuver with significant implications for Kenya’s electoral future.

The Power Behind the Throne

Turkana County Governor Josphat Nanok, who is the Director General of Deputy President William Ruto’s Presidential campaign during an interview at his office in Lodwar town, Turkana County on March 25, 2022.
JARED NYATAYA (Eldoret).

Ethekon’s path to consideration runs through Josphat Nanok, President Ruto’s influential deputy chief of staff and former Turkana Governor.

The two men’s professional relationship dates back to Nanok’s governorship, when Ethekon served as county attorney.

“Ethekon’s candidacy makes perfect sense when you look at the political chess board,” explained a senior official familiar with the selection process who requested anonymity. “His connection to Nanok places him within the President’s trusted circle.”

Nanok himself played a pivotal role in Ruto’s successful 2022 presidential campaign, cementing his position as a key strategist within the administration.

This relationship has fueled speculation that Ethekon’s potential appointment represents a strategic effort to install an ally at the helm of Kenya’s electoral body.

Making His Case

During his March interview with the IEBC selection panel, Ethekon outlined ambitious plans to restore public confidence in the commission.

He emphasized his commitment to transparent electoral processes and collaborative stakeholder engagement.

“I have the energy and experience to lead,” Ethekon told the panel, addressing concerns about his relative youth compared to other candidates.

His vision includes implementing internal reforms that would allow commissioners to formally register dissenting opinions, potentially preventing the post-election disputes that have plagued previous electoral cycles.

Professionally, Ethekon built his reputation in Turkana County, where his legal expertise contributed to several development initiatives, including securing funding for community projects and launching an investment portal in partnership with the International Finance Corporation.

Questions of Integrity

Ethekon’s candidacy has not escaped scrutiny.

Unconfirmed reports suggest financial irregularities occurred during his tenure in Turkana’s county government.

These allegations point to inflated pending bills and questionable spending patterns, including substantial daily expenditures on travel and per diems during COVID-19 restrictions.

Critics also highlight the operation of unauthorized bank accounts within the Turkana County Executive and alleged misappropriation of COVID-19 emergency funds during this period.

However, no official records directly implicate Ethekon in any wrongdoing, and his public service record shows involvement in peace initiatives and administrative appointments.

Strategic Diversion?

Political analysts suggest the prominence given to candidates like Amadi and Nyachae may represent a deliberate strategy to deflect attention from Ethekon’s candidacy until an official announcement is made.

“The President understands the significance of controlling the electoral commission,” noted another source close to the selection process. “Floating other names creates breathing room for the actual appointment.”

What It Means

The IEBC chairperson wields considerable influence over Kenya’s electoral framework.

The appointment of Ethekon would likely face intense scrutiny regarding the commission’s independence, particularly given his connections to influential figures within the current administration.

As the selection process enters its final stages, Kenyans await an official announcement that will either confirm these insider claims or redirect the national conversation about the future of electoral management in the country.

The IEBC, tasked with ensuring free and fair elections, continues to represent a critical institution in Kenya’s democratic landscape—making the identity of its next leader a matter of significant public interest.

May 8, 2025
IEBC Interview: Nyachae Faced With Tough Questions From Being A State Project To Being A Deadbeat Dad

Former chairperson of the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC), faced intense questioning on Monday, March 24, as he vied for the position of chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Appearing before the IEBC selection panel, chaired by Dr. Nelson Makanda, Nyachae tackled allegations of being a “State project” aligned with President William Ruto’s interests, financial impropriety, and personal misconduct—including claims of being a “deadbeat dad”—while revealing the chilling warnings from friends about the life-threatening risks of the role.

The interview, part of a critical process to replace the late Wafula Chebukati ahead of the 2027 elections, saw Nyachae, one of 11 shortlisted candidates from an initial pool of 37, confront a memorandum from a private citizen and Bunge La Mwananchi challenging his suitability.

With Kenya’s electoral credibility hanging in the balance, Nyachae’s performance underscored both his resilience and the high stakes of the position.

A State Candidate?

Nyachae fiercely rejected claims of being a political puppet, dismissing the “State candidate” label as an affront to the panel’s independence.

“I consider the entire memorandum as being motivated by ill will for reasons that I don’t know and not being supported by the truth,” he asserted.

“Me as a State candidate for this job? No. I made this decision to run on my own. The idea of a State candidate is foreign to me.”

Yet, his political history fuels skepticism. The 67-year-old son of the late Simeon Nyachae, a Kenyan political titan, ran unsuccessfully for Kisii County governor in 2017 under Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party before switching to Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in 2022, managing the President’s Kisii campaign.

Critics question whether his ties to Ruto compromise his impartiality—a cornerstone for an IEBC chair tasked with ensuring a fair 2027 poll.

Personal and Financial Allegations

Nyachae’s personal life came under fire as the panel probed allegations of extra-marital affairs and failure to provide child support, branding him a “deadbeat dad.”

He dismissed these as baseless smears.

Financial accusations tied to Proctor and Allan’s alleged Sh3.5 billion scandal also surfaced, which he countered by clarifying, “I own shares in a company associated with it, but I have nothing to do with its management.”

His CIC tenure (2011–2016) drew further scrutiny, with critics alleging he failed to enforce the 2010 Constitution’s anti-corruption and devolution mandates.

Nyachae called these claims “scandalous” and “insulting,” insisting, “The work CIC did is self-evident.” He also denied involvement in a Sh9.2 million fraudulent newspaper payment in 2015, noting he wasn’t the accounting officer.

EACJ Resignation and Death Threats

Nyachae’s 2023 resignation from the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) prompted Makanda to ask, “You resigned from a judicial position that does not have similar pressure as this.

Are we going to have our chair resign before the end of the day?” Nyachae explained that financial constraints canceled EACJ sessions, leaving him earning $2,000 (Sh280,000) monthly “for doing nothing.” He framed his exit as a principled stand, vowing not to abandon the IEBC role if appointed.

More strikingly, Nyachae revealed the trepidation surrounding the IEBC job. “A very close friend and professional colleague told me, ‘My brother, are you sure you want to do that?’” he recounted.

“He said, ‘You know you should be ready to either lose your life or your integrity.’” Nyachae responded defiantly, “I do not intend to lose my life while serving the people of Kenya as the chair of the IEBC, and I have no intention of compromising on integrity.”

The exchange highlighted the position’s perilous reputation, amplifying concerns about his resilience.

Despite the grilling, Nyachae pitched his vision to restore IEBC trust, blaming past failures on “political power play and vested interests.”

He promised adherence to the law and a legacy of verifiable elections where “ordinary Kenyans remain persuaded” of the process’s integrity.

“As long as the commission leaves question marks on Kenyans, it will have fallen short of expectations,” he said.

Touted his legal background, governance expertise, and PhD studies in leadership, Nyachae argued his experience—including working with panelist Dr. Koki Muli at CIC—equips him to unite the commission. “My passion for the Constitution of Kenya 2010 grew even higher and continues to date,” he stated, citing listening as a key strength to address electoral concerns like the two-thirds gender rule.

As Kenya braces for a pivotal 2027 election amid Ruto’s rocky tenure—marked by youth protests and economic strain—the IEBC selection process is under intense scrutiny.

With 11 candidates streamlined for chairperson and thousands for commissioner roles, the panel must finalize its picks by April 25.

Nyachae’s political ties, family disputes over his father’s Sh2 billion estate, and the shadow of his EACJ exit fuel doubts about his suitability.

Interviews continue today with candidates like Erastus Edung Ethekon and Joy Brenda Masinde-Mdivo, followed by Lilian Wanjiku Manegene tomorrow. Nyachae remains a polarizing figure: supporters praise his expertise, while detractors warn his past could drag the IEBC into another crisis.

For a nation scarred by electoral mistrust, his chilling account of death threats only heightens the stakes.

March 25, 2025
Charles Nyachae: Scandalous History Comes to Haunt Ruto’s Blue-Eyed Boy Favoured for IEBC Chairperson

As Kenya braces for the high-stakes 2027 elections, the selection of the next Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson has taken a contentious turn.

Among the 37 candidates shortlisted by the recruitment panel is Charles Nyachae, a veteran lawyer and former chair of the Commission on the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC).

With interviews set to conclude by April 25, 2025, and whispers of President William Ruto’s favouritism swirling, Nyachae’s chequered past is raising red flags about his suitability to helm an electoral body promising a “stainless” process.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. The IEBC selection panel, reconstituted after legal battles and accusations of Ruto stalling to avert a constitutional crisis, has shortlisted 1,356 candidates for chairperson and commissioner roles.

From these, two names will be presented to the President for the top job, and nine for six commissioner slots.

Yet, Nyachae’s emergence as a frontrunner—allegedly Ruto’s preferred pick—threatens to undermine public trust in an institution tasked with delivering impartiality in one of Kenya’s most consequential polls.

A Politically Tainted Track Record

Nyachae, 67, is no stranger to Kenya’s political elite. The son of the late Simeon Nyachae, a towering figure in Kenyan politics, Charles has repeatedly aligned himself with ruling powers.

In 2017, he ran for Kisii County governor on a Jubilee ticket under Uhuru Kenyatta, only to be rejected by voters.

Undeterred, he switched allegiance to Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in 2022, managing the President’s campaign in Kisii County before losing again to Simba Arati, who garnered 270,928 votes.

This flip-flopping raises a glaring question: can a man so deeply entwined with Ruto’s political machinery be trusted to oversee a fair election in 2027?

Charles Nyachae, while still serving as a Judge in East Africa Court of Justice attends a political function with Ruto in December 2020.

Political insiders whisper that Nyachae’s loyalty has earned him Ruto’s nod, a claim that, if true, casts a shadow over the panel’s promise of merit-based selection.

Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya, recently warned the panel against producing “incompetent candidates,” urging them to prioritize “proven records of competence and integrity.”

Nyachae’s resume, however, tells a different story—one of ambition, failure, and unanswered questions.

CIC Tenure: A Legacy of Missed Opportunities?

Nyachae’s most prominent public role came as CIC chair from 2011 to 2016, tasked with implementing the 2010 Constitution.

It was a golden opportunity to cement his legacy, yet critics argue he squandered it.

Chapter 6, meant to enforce leadership integrity and combat corruption, remains a toothless provision under his watch, with systemic graft still plaguing Kenya.

While Nyachae admitted to implementation hurdles in 2015—blaming low public participation and institutional clashes—his detractors say he failed to push for robust legislation, leaving the anti-corruption fight floundering.

Devolution, another cornerstone of the Constitution, also stumbled. Nyachae once declared it “irreversible,” but the lack of clear handover regulations to counties during his tenure contributed to the ongoing devolution crisis.

Was this a systemic failure or a personal one? The jury is out, but for a man eyeing the IEBC chair, such ambiguity is a liability.

EACJ Exit and Family Feuds

Charles Nyachae being sworn in as Judge of the East African Court of Justice in February 2018.

Nyachae’s recent resignation from the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) in November 2023 adds another layer of intrigue.

Representing Kenya at the regional court, he stepped down without explanation, just as high-profile cases—like Mike Sonko’s impeachment challenge and Martha Karua’s 2022 election petition—loomed.

Was he dodging the heat, and if so, on whose behalf? For a potential IEBC chair, expected to withstand intense electoral pressure, this abrupt exit raises doubts about his resilience.

Closer to home, Nyachae is locked in an ugly succession battle over his father’s multi-billion-shilling estate, estimated at over Sh2 billion.

Appointed an administrator alongside siblings Angela and Eric, he faces off against stepmother Grace Wamuyu and others, with mediators now stepping in.

This public family feud could distract him from the IEBC’s demanding role—or worse, signal a man more preoccupied with personal gain than public service.

Age and the Pressure Test

At 67, Nyachae’s age is another sticking point. The IEBC chairmanship is a pressure cooker—think 2017’s annulled election or 2022’s razor-thin margins.
Critics question whether he can endure the strain, pointing to his EACJ resignation as a sign he might buckle.

While he could argue experience trumps youth, but with no clear explanation for his judicial exit, the concern lingers: will he quit again when the going gets tough?

Media Silence: A Clean Slate or a Cover-Up?

Curiously, mainstream media has been muted on Nyachae’s scandals, often framing him as a “clean” alternative to candidates like James Oswago and Anne Amadi, whose pasts are tainted by corruption allegations.

This selective spotlight—focusing on his CIC credentials while glossing over his political baggage and family woes—smacks of bias.

Has the press been co-opted to polish his image, as some allege, or is Nyachae simply flying under the radar?

Either way, the lack of scrutiny leaves Kenyans in the dark about a man who could shape their electoral future.

The Bigger Picture

DP WIlliam Ruto makes the collars of East Africa court of justice Judge Charles Nyachae at his Karen residence office in Nairobi on October 14, 2020.

Nyachae’s candidacy isn’t just about one man—it’s a litmus test for the IEBC selection panel’s credibility.

After months of legal wrangling and accusations of Ruto buying time, the panel vowed a transparent process.

Yet, with a politically connected figure like Nyachae in the mix, that promise hangs by a thread.

The 2027 elections will test Kenya’s democracy after a rocky reign by president Ruto who is under constant pressure from the youths leading to widespread protests, and the IEBC chair must be above reproach.

Nyachae’s history—rife with political loyalty, unfulfilled potential, and personal entanglements—suggests he may fall short.

As the April 25 deadline nears, Kenyans deserve answers.

Can Charles Nyachae rise above his past, or will Ruto’s blue-eyed boy drag the IEBC into another quagmire?
For a nation still scarred by electoral mistrust, the stakes are too high to gamble on a tainted legacy.

March 19, 2025
Simeon Nyachae Wealth: Court Adjourns Late Minister’s Succession Hearing, Delaying Estate Division

Simeon Nyachae Wealth: The succession hearing for the late Moi-era Cabinet Minister S. Nyachae has been adjourned by High Court Judge Erick Ogolla to July 25, 2023. The family will have to wait longer to divide Nyachae’s multi-billion estate.

A woman named Margaret Chweya Nyachae, who claims to have been married to Nyachae, has filed a petition to be included in his inheritance. She alleges that the late minister’s will was changed after his death.

Ronny Nyachae, Margaret’s son, has urged the court to take swift action. He expressed his desire for justice and a peaceful resolution for the family, despite the challenges they face in coming together.

Margaret has vehemently denied the accusation of being married to four men.

Nyachae, aged 88, passed away in February 2021 at Nairobi Hospital after a prolonged illness. At the time of his death, he had five wives and 20 children. His first wife, Esther, had passed away in August 2016 after a long illness.

Simeon Nyachae Wealth

The late Nyachae, a former minister, was part of a group of local billionaire investors who held significant stakes in listed companies. He controlled a vast business empire with interests in manufacturing, transport, and large-scale agriculture.

Nyachae possessed 3.1 million shares in CBA Bank, making him one of the prominent owners of the recently merged NCBA Group, which included NIC Bank.

Additionally, Nyachae held shares in Swan Millers and Sansora Limited, milling businesses reminiscent of his 1954 Sansora Bakery operations at Nyantunango Market. He had a diverse range of investments across the local economy and also owned assets outside the country.

The late Nyachae passed away in February 2021 after a prolonged illness. He was recognized as one of the wealthiest individuals in Kenya due to his extensive business ventures and investments.

Simeon Nyachae’s Family Fight Over Sh 2b Wealth

The former Finance minister passed away at Nairobi Hospital after a lengthy struggle with an undisclosed illness. Nyachae served in the government for a remarkable period from 1963 to 2007, amassing a wealth exceeding Sh 2 billion.

Before his death, he had prepared a will outlining the distribution of his wealth.

In his will, the late minister assigned his children Charles Nyachae, Angela Nyarangi, and Erick Maina as executors and trustees of his estate. However, the execution of the will has encountered obstacles.

Reports from local sources indicate that Charles Nyachae, who is a judge at the East African Court of Justice, intends to exclude his stepbrother Leone and stepmother Grace Nyachae from managing the estate.

Through his lawyer Jotham Arwa, Charles filed an application in court seeking to bar the duo from administering the wealth. He argued that the court had granted him, along with Angela and Erick, the responsibility of fulfilling their father’s final wishes. Despite this, Grace and Leone have continued to oversee the estate, much to Charles’s discontent.

The judge alleged that the two individuals unlawfully collected dividends from their father’s investments without providing an account of the funds. Furthermore, he claimed that they have not fulfilled their tax obligations as required by the law. In response, Grace and Leone refuted these allegations, stating that they solely managed the estate during Nyachae’s lifetime.

July 4, 2023
Nyachaes feuding over multi-billion empire

The large family of the late ex-cabinet minister Simeon Nyachae is fighting over the control of vast business empire the Gusii leader left behind. A section of the family is accusing Nyachae’s younger widow of stamping authority over prime properties both in Kenya and abroad.

Nyachaes heavily invested in real estate, banking, transport, agriculture,and manufacturing in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, Kisumu, Narok, Kisii, Kericho, Sotik and Nyeri and Nairobi. He also had a stake that was worth Sh300 million in NCBA bank.

The family is struggling to keep their feud off the media but it all started during the burial of the former cabinet minister when Margret Kerubo Chweya– his secret wife who lives in the US showed up with a 47-year-old son of Nyachae.

The 65 year old woman also told the family that they were blessed with another son, Nyandusi Nyachae who did not travel to Kenya for his father’s burial. The emergence of the two sons is messing the math for hungry heirs.

The late former cabinet minister Simeon Nyachae [p/courtesy]
The late Nyachae’s daughters and grandchildren also want a share in the vast estate. Tensions within the family are purely over the wealth with the sons set to benefit over daughters. Nyachae’s late wife Nyaboke gave birth to many daughters and two sons while the second wife died shortly after giving birth to Nyachae’s daughter Mary.

But his third wife Mwango is the mother of the popular kids from the large family including Charles Nyachae who roughed up the US based wife, Kenneth Bitange, Ndemo, Mike Noah, and Nyandusi.

Charles is the former chairperson, Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution (CIC) who was in the news over baby mama drama. A college girl he impregnated and dumped popped out claiming that Charles does not support their child. He is disrespected by a majority of the family members due to his weird marriage life, alcohol abuse and wastage of family resources.

Another issue deepening the rifts is talk that one of the beneficiaries of the estate is not late Nyachae son by blood. Nyachae’s known family included six known wives and 35 children.

May 4, 2021