IEBC warns against politically charged rhetoric, reaffirms readiness for future elections

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has urged Kenyans to ignore what it terms baseless and dangerous claims of election rigging, warning that such utterances only undermine public trust in the electoral process.

The commission warned that such remarks, especially when made outside an official election period, are reckless and misleading and risk causing unnecessary public anxiety.

“These claims are not only unfounded but also dangerous in a democratic society such as ours. We urge all Kenyans to disassociate themselves from such statements and focus on strengthening, not weakening, our democracy,” the Commission said.

The commission, now under the leadership of Erastus Edung Ethekon, clarified that no elections have been declared or gazetted and emphasised that the country is not currently in a campaign period.

It stressed that there is no legal or constitutional basis for election-related propaganda or politically charged rhetoric at this time.

Although the IEBC has the authority to establish the Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee under Article 84 of the Constitution and Section 110 of the Elections Act, it explained that the committee’s mandate applies only during a formal election period.

This position is supported by the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in the Sabina Chege petition (E026 of 2022), which limits the Commission’s enforcement powers outside an official election timeline.

Engage stakeholders

Now fully constituted, the commission affirmed its commitment to engage political leaders and stakeholders in efforts to restore public confidence in Kenya’s electoral system.

“We call on all actors, particularly those in the political space, to refrain from issuing statements or taking actions that erode trust in our electoral processes,” IEBC said.

“Let us work together to foster transparency, accountability, and stability.”

The electoral body also reaffirmed its independence and impartiality in discharging its constitutional mandate, pledging to deliver free, fair and credible elections guided by the law and international best practices.

“The commission remains resolute in its mission to safeguard Kenya’s democracy. We urge all citizens to rely on verified information and official channels for any updates concerning electoral matters,” it said.

Ethekon will be assisted by Fahima Abdallah, who was elected vice chairperson.

The other commissioners are Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, and Francis Odhiambo Aduol.

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• IEBC warns against politically charged rhetoric
• reaffirms readiness for future elections

The new commissioners took their oath of office at the Supreme Court on Friday, July 11, in a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome. During the event, Koome urged the commissioners to safeguard Kenya’s democracy, warning of the risks posed by disputed elections.

“Elections are matters of national security. We must learn from our history and avoid the cycles of violence and instability that have followed disputed polls,” Koome said, calling for transparency and credibility in all IEBC operations.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also weighed in on the matter during his visit to Kuria East in Migori County, where he urged Kenyans to have confidence in the newly appointed commissioners.

Kindiki reaffirmed that there was no cause for concern over the country’s electoral preparedness, assuring that the IEBC is now properly constituted and capable of delivering credible polls.