The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has strongly dismissed claims that there is a plan to rig the upcoming 2027 General Election, warning politicians against spreading false and dangerous information that could harm public trust.
In a statement released on the evening of Sunday, July 13, the commission condemned what it termed as “reckless and unacceptable” remarks made by some politicians. According to the IEBC, such comments are dangerous in a democratic country like Kenya because they can damage confidence in the electoral system.
“The Commission is concerned about statements on election malpractices in the country. Such utterances are unacceptable and reckless in a democratic society such as ours,” the IEBC stated. “We urge all Kenyans to ignore these remarks and distance themselves from such propaganda.”
This firm response came after controversial statements made by Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Abdi Jehow during her homecoming event on Saturday, July 12.
While speaking to her supporters, Jehow shocked many by claiming that Members of Parliament from the North Eastern region were ready to interfere with the 2027 presidential election to ensure President William Ruto wins a second term.
In her words, she stated in Kiswahili, “Sisi wabunge wa North Eastern maneno ya President, tunasema ‘tutam’, hata kama hatutakuwa na votes tutamwibia… hio si siri,” which loosely translates to: “We, MPs from North Eastern, support the President. Even if we don’t have the votes, we’ll steal them for him… that’s no secret.”
These remarks sparked a heated backlash online, with many Kenyans expressing concern over the message. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was among those who condemned the statement and called on the IEBC to take action against Jehow.
Following the uproar, the IEBC clarified that the 2027 elections have not even been officially declared. The commission emphasized that no gazette notice has been issued for the 2027 elections and therefore the country is not in an official campaign season.
According to IEBC, this makes the kind of political talk being shared unnecessary and misleading.
“It should be noted that the IEBC has not declared any elections. Further, there is no gazettement or declaration that has been made to warrant such desirous political utterances and propaganda,” the statement added.
To further support its stance, the IEBC cited a 2023 Supreme Court ruling related to a similar case involving former Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege.
During the 2022 election period, Chege claimed that the 2017 elections had been rigged in favour of the Jubilee Party. The IEBC summoned her for violating the Electoral Code of Conduct.
However, Chege challenged the commission’s authority to take disciplinary action during a time that was not officially recognized as an election period.
The legal battle eventually reached the Supreme Court, which ruled that while the IEBC does have the mandate to enforce the Electoral Code, its powers are limited to the official election period—specifically after an election has been declared and candidates have been nominated.
In its Sunday statement, the IEBC echoed the Supreme Court’s position and reaffirmed that it would continue to uphold free, fair, and credible elections. The commission emphasized that it remains neutral and focused on its legal responsibilities.
The statement was also significant because it came shortly after the official swearing-in of the new IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, along with six other commissioners.
They were sworn into office on Friday and are expected to lead the commission in overseeing several upcoming by-elections. These include six parliamentary seats, one Senate seat, and fifteen ward representative (MCA) positions that are currently vacant.
The new team’s first task will be to ensure these by-elections are carried out in a transparent and lawful manner, while also rebuilding public trust in the electoral process following past controversies.
By making this statement, the IEBC has not only responded to recent political tensions but also set a clear tone that it will not tolerate any form of propaganda or irresponsible speech that could undermine Kenya’s democracy.
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