The National Assembly, led by Speaker Moses Masika Wetang’ula, today hosted the newly reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for a strategic discussion on the country’s electoral future, with a strong emphasis on the urgent need for reforms ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaker Wetang’ula congratulated IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon and his fellow Commissioners on assuming office, urging them to immediately begin broad-based stakeholder engagement to rebuild public confidence in the electoral body.
“IEBC must take deliberate steps to engage with stakeholders and ensure the institution regains its place as the bedrock of free, fair, and credible elections. Kenyans are counting on your integrity and professionalism,” said the Speaker.
In a significant policy push, the Speaker called on the Commission to work closely with Parliament—specifically the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) and the Senate’s Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee (JLAHRC)—on matters touching electoral reforms.
Responding to the call, IEBC Chairperson Ethekon acknowledged the challenges ahead, including growing threats from digital misinformation, which he said could compromise the credibility of democratic processes.
“As we gear up for 2027, fake news and digital disruptions present serious risks. But we are fully committed to upholding the Constitution and earning public trust,” Ethekon stated.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s pledge to deliver transparent and inclusive electoral processes and appealed to the National Assembly for ongoing institutional support.
Today’s meeting marks a critical step in aligning the IEBC’s reform agenda with legislative oversight, setting the tone for a collaborative approach to restoring electoral credibility ahead of Kenya’s next major poll.
