The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has rejected allegations by political figures that they might manipulate the results of the upcoming 2027 General Election through unlawful methods, describing such statements as irresponsible, deceptive, and threatening to the nation’s democratic foundations.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the commission stated that these comments eroded trust in the voting process and misrepresented the state of Kenya’s democratic system as the next general election approaches.
The commission noted that such statements had generated unwarranted concern within the electoral atmosphere, despite no official election announcement having been made.
‘The IEBC finds these statements unacceptable, imprudent, and completely unfounded,’ the commission stated.
The electoral authority cautioned that persistent assertions of planned electoral manipulation could deceive Kenyan citizens and diminish confidence in bodies responsible for overseeing elections.
‘These comments are obviously designed to create fear, misguide the populace and undermine belief in the electoral system’s integrity,’ IEBC stated, advising Kenyans to disregard and refrain from spreading such declarations.
The commission reiterated that the constitutional duty to organize and oversee elections belongs exclusively to the IEBC as outlined in Article 88 of the Constitution and cannot be assumed or shared by any political entity or institution.
IEBC chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon noted that Kenya has developed a trustworthy and robust democratic framework founded on legal principles, cautioning officials against making provocative remarks that could weaken public confidence in electoral bodies.
‘Kenya’s leadership has an obligation to protect these achievements and consequently should avoid making unverified, provocative or deceptive comments about electoral fraud or voter interference,’ the commission stated.
The IEBC also objected to claims depicting the commission as ineffectual or vulnerable to corruption.
‘Such assertions are not just inaccurate and deceptive but also profoundly disrespectful to the institution and its constitutional duty in protecting the people’s sovereign will,’ the commission stated.
Simultaneously, the electoral body clarified that the Electoral Code of Conduct is not currently in effect as the nation is not in an electoral phase.
The commission referenced the Supreme Court ruling in the Sabina Chege Supreme Court Petition No. 23 (E026) of 2022 case, which confirmed that the IEBC only exercises authority under the Electoral Code of Conduct during electoral periods.
‘Significantly, the IEBC has not proclaimed any elections. Moreover, no notification regarding the 2027 General Election has been issued to justify the current surge of untimely and inappropriate statements,’ the commission stated.
The IEBC indicated it would consult with appropriate authorities for suitable measures against individuals making unfounded assertions that could undermine confidence in electoral procedures.
The commission additionally appealed to political leaders and citizens to respect institutional autonomy and collaborate to enhance democracy and public confidence.
‘It is time political figures deceiving the public about election manipulation ceased doing so and instead began accepting the measures outlined in the nation’s preparations for organizing the 2027 General Election,’ IEBC stated.
The commission also encouraged eligible Kenyan citizens to register as voters through the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise taking place at constituency offices, Huduma Centres and the customer service center at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.
The IEBC reaffirmed its dedication to conducting a free, impartial and trustworthy election in 2027 according to the Constitution, Kenyan legislation and international standards.