NAIROBI, Kenya – Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana has faulted political leaders who refuse to concede defeat after elections, warning that the habit undermines the commission’s credibility and fuels unnecessary tension.
Speaking on NTV’s Fixing the Nation on Monday, Mukhwana said political leaders often brand IEBC corrupt only when they lose, despite praising the same institution when the political class is united.
“Every time our political leadership works together, there is peace and IEBC has no problem somehow. But the moment elections are conducted and the winner is declared, IEBC becomes a terrible organization — they are thieves,” he said.
Mukhwana urged leaders to emulate Ghana, where defeated candidates often concede and congratulate winners, saying this strengthens democracy and reduces post-election animosity.
“The Ghanaians have shown us the way. They shake hands and say ‘yes, you’ve won.’ But our politicians are yet to accept that whoever has won has validly won. Shake hands and say, maybe next time,” he added.
The commissioner noted that Kenya’s political landscape remains unpredictable, with high-stakes competition that often translates into hostility against electoral bodies.
His remarks come as political temperatures rise ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the opposition camp preparing to challenge the Kenya Kwanza administration, which is seeking a second term in office.
