NAIROBI, Kenya — Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi has defended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), urging Kenyans to support the electoral agency and reject what he described as unsubstantiated claims that elections are routinely stolen.
In a statement posted on X following the conclusion of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, Ahmednasir said the conduct of the poll once again demonstrated the credibility of Kenya’s electoral system.
“I have said many times and I repeat it again. Kenyans should give the IEBC respect and support and stop swallowing the propaganda by politicians always crying wolf about rigging and stolen votes.”
‘Kenya’s Elections Are World Class’
Ahmednasir argued that Kenya’s electoral process compares favourably with international standards, citing the country’s polling station structure and vote tallying procedures.
“Kenyan election is world class. Ol Kalou has shown it again.”
He noted that Kenya has approximately 48,000 polling stations, each serving between 500 and 750 registered voters, making vote counting manageable and transparent.
According to Ahmednasir, voting begins at 6:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m., after which ballots are counted at the polling station in the presence of agents.
“Results are declared at the polling station and results given to agents and posted. Certain results can be declared by 7 p.m. But 90 per cent are declared by midnight.”
Draws From Election Petition Experience
The Senior Counsel said his confidence in the electoral system stems from his experience handling election petitions at different levels of Kenya’s courts.
“I have done election petitions right from presidential to one in Mandera North and you can’t see serious seismic irregularities.”
He questioned persistent claims that elections are stolen.
“So, how and where is the vote stolen?”
Ahmednasir also referenced the 2022 General Election, claiming attempts to manipulate the outcome were unsuccessful because of what he described as the robustness of the electoral system.
“Uhuru’s government tried everything in 2022 and failed because the integrity of the system is foolproof.”
These remarks reflect Ahmednasir’s opinion and assessment of Kenya’s electoral process.
Distinguishes Security Concerns From IEBC’s Role
Ahmednasir acknowledged that incidents of violence have occurred during elections but argued that such matters fall outside the constitutional mandate of the electoral commission.
He alleged that violence involving criminal groups has occurred in some parts of the country, while maintaining that responsibility for addressing security issues rests with other state agencies rather than the IEBC.
He concluded by calling on Kenyans to strengthen democratic institutions and continue participating peacefully in elections.
“So my good people, support IEBC… Building institutions and vote peacefully.”