NAIROBI, Kenya – Lawyer Donald Kipkorir has criticized Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chair Erastus Ethekon for downplaying claims of electoral malpractice in Kenya’s ongoing by-elections.
In a social media post, Kipkorir referenced historical challenges in Kenya’s electoral process, including voter bribery, state interference, and alleged complicity by previous IEBC officials.
He expressed concern that Ethekon, who assumed office four months ago, risks becoming a “Little Kivuitu” — a reference to former IEBC officials accused of failing to uphold the integrity of elections.
“Every General Election and By-Election in Kenya has always been marred by allegations of voter bribery, state intimidation, and a spineless IEBC. These allegations are a matter of record in court decisions and commissions of inquiry reports,” Kipkorir wrote. “Before he became IEBC Boss, many Kenyans, including myself, had never heard of Erastus Ethekon. Because he was unknown, we assumed he comes untainted and may fix IEBC. But yesterday, I heard him denying electoral malpractices in current by-elections. At least he should have said he will investigate instead of blank denial.”
Every General Elections & By-Elections in Kenya have always been marred by allegations of Voter Bribery, State Intimidation & Spineless IEBC … These allegations are a matter of Record in Court Decisions & Commissions of Inquiry Reports. When we eventually get our electoral
The comments come in response to Ethekon’s assurances earlier this week that no politician will manipulate him or interfere with any election under his watch.
Speaking publicly, Ethekon promised that both ongoing by-elections and the 2027 General Election would be free of fraud, and outlined efforts to rebuild public trust in the commission.
“We inherited a difficult situation, and the first thing we did was to understand and identify the root of the problem. I hope to work with political parties, leaders, civil society groups, the media, and other stakeholders to deliver on my mandate,” Ethekon said.
Ethekon emphasized reforms already implemented in recent campaigns and party primaries, acknowledging the challenges he inherited but expressing confidence that collaboration with key stakeholders will restore credibility to Kenya’s electoral process.
Kipkorir’s remarks highlight ongoing public scrutiny over the IEBC’s handling of elections, as the commission seeks to assert its independence and restore confidence among a skeptical electorate.
