NAIROBI, Kenya – National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged opposition leaders to give the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) space to prepare for the 2027 General Election, warning against attempts to undermine the electoral body before the polls.
Wetang’ula argued that political parties should not attempt to dictate how the electoral commission conducts its work, likening the situation to a football match where competing teams cannot choose the referee.
He said the opposition should allow IEBC to independently organise the election instead of setting conditions for how the commission should operate.
“Since the general election, we have had ten by-elections. Kenya Kwanza has won six. Our colleagues won one civic seat. When they won, they clapped, saying ‘we have taught them a lesson.’ They didn’t say the IEBC was bad. But now they start saying the IEBC is bad,” Wetang’ula said.
Wetang’ula challenges opposition criticism
The Speaker questioned why some opposition leaders were now attacking IEBC despite accepting results from previous by-elections when they performed well.
He suggested that political parties should judge the electoral commission based on its conduct rather than criticising it whenever electoral outcomes do not favour them.
Wetang’ula also called on politicians to avoid abusive language as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 elections.
His remarks come amid growing political scrutiny of IEBC, with opposition leaders raising questions about the commission’s preparedness, procurement processes and independence.
Gachagua accuses IEBC of preparing for rigged election
The latest dispute was triggered by remarks from Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua.
He alleged that the specifications for the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS) had been designed to favour South Korean technology company Miru Systems Ltd.
The allegations have since been rejected by IEBC.
IEBC denies Miru Systems tender allegations
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon dismissed claims that the technology tender had been tailor-made for Miru Systems.
Ethekon said the procurement process was open and transparent and insisted that no company had been awarded the tender.
The commission said the procurement for the supply, delivery, installation, testing, commissioning, support and maintenance of the Integrated Elections Management System was still ongoing.
The electoral body maintained that all qualified suppliers were free to participate and that the eventual award would be determined through the procedures provided for under Kenyan procurement law.
The dispute has nevertheless placed IEBC under renewed political scrutiny as preparations for the 2027 General Election accelerate.
IEBC faces growing scrutiny ahead of 2027
The commission is expected to play a central role in organising the August 10, 2027 General Election, including voter registration, management of the voters’ register, procurement of election technology and ballot materials, and administration of the voting process.
Political parties are increasingly focusing on the commission’s preparedness and independence as they position themselves for the contest.
Wetang’ula’s intervention adds to a growing debate over whether criticism of IEBC strengthens electoral accountability or risks undermining public confidence in the institution before the election.
The Speaker’s comments also come at a time when opposition parties are seeking greater assurances over the credibility of the next election.
IEBC has repeatedly maintained that it will discharge its constitutional mandate independently and in accordance with the law.
