NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has strongly condemned statements by political actors alleging plans to manipulate the 2027 General Election, warning that such remarks risk undermining public confidence in Kenya’s democratic institutions.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the commission described the claims as reckless, baseless, and dangerous to the integrity of the country’s electoral system.
The electoral agency said the remarks had generated anxiety within the political environment and could distort public perception ahead of the next presidential election.
“These utterances are clearly intended to instill fear, mislead the public, and erode confidence in the integrity of the electoral system,” the commission stated.
IEBC Defends Constitutional Mandate
The commission reiterated that the responsibility to conduct and supervise elections is exclusively vested in the IEBC under Article 88 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. It stressed that no individual, institution, or political group can lawfully interfere with or usurp that mandate.
The statement comes amid rising political rhetoric over the credibility of the 2027 polls, with some leaders alleging possible electoral interference years before the official campaign period begins.
IEBC warned that repeated assertions portraying the institution as weak or compromised could damage democratic stability and public trust in constitutional bodies.
“Such claims are not only false and misleading but also deeply disrespectful to the institution and the constitutional role it plays in safeguarding the sovereign will of the people,” the commission added.
Commission Clarifies Legal Position
The electoral body also clarified that the Electoral Code of Conduct under Article 84 of the Constitution and Section 110 of the Elections Act is currently not operational because no election period has officially been declared.
The commission cited the Supreme Court decision in the Sabina Chege petition, which affirmed that the IEBC only exercises jurisdiction under the Code during an active election period.
According to the commission, there has been no official gazettement or declaration of the 2027 General Election to justify what it termed “premature and irresponsible utterances.”
The agency further revealed that it would engage relevant authorities for appropriate action against individuals spreading misinformation capable of undermining electoral credibility.
Call for Public Trust and Peaceful Participation
The commission urged political leaders and citizens to focus on strengthening democratic institutions instead of fueling speculation about vote-rigging.
IEBC also encouraged eligible Kenyans to register as voters through the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise at constituency offices, Huduma Centres, and the Customer Care Centre at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi.
The statement was signed by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, who reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in line with Kenyan law and international best practices.
