NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto’s Senior Economic Advisor, Moses Kuria, has reignited political tensions after claiming Kenya may not hold a general election in 2027 — this time invoking historical precedent and ongoing legal hurdles to back his controversial stance.
In a statement posted on social media, Kuria cited the stalled reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the findings of the 2008 Krigler Report as signs that the country may not be in a position to conduct credible elections in two years’ time.
“In another 39 days, we will start the 24-month countdown to the 2027 elections,” Kuria wrote. “Going by our litigious nature, this case will go all the way to the Supreme Court. It may go on till September 2027.”
He was referring to a High Court order by Justice Lawrence Mugambi that allowed Parliament to vet and approve IEBC nominees, but barred their swearing-in pending the resolution of a petition challenging the recruitment process.
Kuria argued that the Krigler Report — which was commissioned after Kenya’s disputed 2007 election — stressed the need for an operational and independent electoral commission to be in place at least two years before a general election.
“According to Krigler, you cannot have a free and fair election without a functional IEBC. We don’t have one. That’s a fact,” Kuria said.
This morning I listened to my friend Kalonzo Musyoka on Kameme FM. SKM questioned my statement thar there will be no election in 2027. The swearing in of IEBC Commissioners has been stopped by the court. In another 39 days we will start the 24 months countdown to the 2027
Political backlash
Kuria’s remarks triggered sharp criticism from across the political divide, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who dismissed the comments as inflammatory and legally unfounded.
In a direct jab at Kalonzo, Kuria said: “I am not a Senior Counsel. I am not a lawyer. Kalonzo Musyoka is. He knows there is not going to be an election in 2027. The only difference is that I am honest and he is not.”
His suggestion that the current administration could remain in office past 2027 without a national vote has stirred fresh alarm about creeping authoritarianism and disregard for the Constitution.
Legal experts and governance watchdogs have warned that any postponement of elections or extension of presidential terms without a constitutional amendment would be unconstitutional and could plunge the country into a political crisis.
IEBC vacuum
The IEBC was left without a chairperson and commissioners following the exit of its previous team after the 2022 general elections.
A new panel was formed to oversee the recruitment of fresh commissioners, but legal petitions have stalled the final appointments.
The commission’s paralysis threatens not only the 2027 electoral calendar but also upcoming by-elections and boundary review processes.
