5 things you (probably) didn’t know about Chilobae

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission CEO Ezra Chiloba. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA

What you need to know:

  • Chiloba claims to ‘not have a life anymore’ as he recites instances of photo op requests and stares while trying to do some shopping recently.
  • ‘They want selfies and families call out and say, “Hey Chiloba come and say hello to my children!”

First of all, yes, he is Chilboae. In a candid interview with Jackson Biko, who cheekily asked him whether he loved his new nickname, he said:

“Can I tell you something? Do you know what my private e-mail address has always been? It’s Chiloba with an “e” at the end. So I guess I have always been Chilobae."

Clealrly, all the female attention left him unfazed! But here are some other fun facts we gleaned from the eye-opening article in the Business Daily:

BEAUTY WITH BRAINS

Ezra Chiloba studied law at the University of Nairobi and has a Master’s in public policy from Central European University (Budapest). He is currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science and Government (UoN).

EVERYBODY WANTS A SELFIE WITH HIM

Chiloba claims to ‘not have a life anymore’ as he recites instances of photo op requests and stares while trying to do some shopping recently.

‘They want selfies and families call out and say, “Hey Chiloba come and say hello to my children!”

His personal security advised him to be going straight home after work but Ezra is confident it will die down saying,

“…Kenyans being Kenyans, they’ll forget soon.”

HE’S BEWILDERED BY FEMALE ATTENTION

 Asked if the attention by the womenfolk was flattering or if he felt grossly objectified, he said:

The question I keep asking myself is, where did that come from? I’ve been in town for the last two and a half years and nobody has paid me a passing glance.”

He believes it is some sort of brief national infatuation but is happy that it drew attention to elections with the younger demographic.

MARRIAGE TIES WITH THE KENYATTAS?

Although his two children (two and eight years old) are too young to understand what is happening, it is left to Ezra and his wife to ensure that they are safe amidst all the love-hate encounters. Despite rumours claiming his wife is a member of the renowned family, Chiloba confirmed that he has no relations with the Kenyattas. He and the President have never even met one-on-one.

“I saw pictures the other day of me and a lady in a wedding line-up who is supposedly my wife. That’s not my wife. I was in a wedding two years ago as the best man and the lady—an MP’s wife, was the best maid.”

HE’S NOT BEEN TO CHURCH IN A WHILE

Chiloba was a brought up an Adventist and grew up in church for a long time. While at the University of Nairobi, the now teetotaller used to have a congregation within the school which is where the title ‘elder’ came from. He was one of the leaders. He is currently not a church elder but used to be at Lavington SDA were he was engaged actively in church.

“I haven’t been to church for quite a while — which also kind of made me lose friends. I consider it service and every opportunity required me to make a difference while at the Commission. I haven’t consistently gone to church for the last six months but that does not mean I’ve lost the faith.”

Mr. Chiloba claims to be liberal in many senses, questioning the construction of reality and trying to balance the sense of rational thinking and faith, as faith remains his moral compass in life.

INTO POLITICS? MAYBE

Growing up in training for public service, Ezra wanted to join the private sector after leaving the UN. His ambition was to be a CEO in some private sector at the age of 39. Now currently 39, he is unsure what will happen in terms of political ambitions.

“I’ve interacted with politicians, I see how they behave, I know who they are… seriously, okay, should I do the same things? It will take lots of introspection to come to a conclusion that I’m actually headed into politics.”

 

Go to Business Daily for the full interview.