The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a stern warning against what it terms as “unacceptable and reckless” utterances by political leaders alleging election malpractices, saying such remarks risk undermining the country’s democratic institutions and public trust in the electoral system.
In a press release sent out today, the Commission clarified that Kenya is not in an election period, and therefore any insinuations or propaganda surrounding electoral fraud are baseless and should be disregarded by the public.
“Such utterances are unacceptable and reckless in a democratic society such as ours, and IEBC urges all Kenyans to ignore or disassociate with them,” the statement read.
While noting that the Commission will, when appropriate, constitute the Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee as provided for under Article 84 of the Constitution and Section 10 of the Elections Act, IEBC emphasized that the Committee’s jurisdiction only kicks in during an election period.
The Commission cited the Supreme Court judgment in the Sabina Chege Petition No. 23 (E026) of 2022 to reinforce its position, stating unequivocally that no elections have been declared or gazetted to warrant campaign-like rhetoric currently being witnessed in the country.
“There is no gazettement or declaration that has been made to warrant such desirous political utterances and propaganda. The country is not on a campaign period at the moment,” IEBC said.
The electoral body, now fully reconstituted, announced it will soon begin engagements with political parties and leaders to explore ways of restoring and bolstering public confidence in Kenya’s electoral processes.
As political tensions continue to build ahead of the 2027 General Elections, the IEBC is urging politicians to act responsibly and avoid statements that could ignite distrust or political unrest.
“We urge all stakeholders, particularly those in the political arena, to refrain from acts including speeches likely to erode trust and confidence in our electoral processes, and instead work with us to reinforce and strengthen that trust,” IEBC added.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding its independence and impartiality, and pledged to deliver free, fair, and credible elections in strict adherence to the Constitution and established electoral laws.
Kenyans have been encouraged to seek verified and up-to-date information through the IEBC’s official website and social media platforms.
The Commission’s response comes just a day after Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow claimed that North leaders would rigg for President William Ruto inn2027 electipn if his votes will not he enough.
Her remarks, which have since gone viral, have drawn criticism from a section of leaders allied to the ruling coalition, who dismissed them as “incendiary and misleading.” The IEBC did not directly name Jehow in its statement but warned against “speeches likely to erode trust and confidence in our electoral processes.”
Jehow has remained unapologetic, saying she will “continue to speak the truth, regardless of who feels offended.”
