IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon says November by-elections crucial credibility test

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson Erastus Ethekon. (Photo: IEBC)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Friday, September 19, 2025

In addition to the by-elections, IEBC is set to launch Continuous Voter Registration on September 29, targeting 6.3 million new voters, and will release guidelines for independent candidates in preparation for the November polls.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is gearing up for 24 crucial by-elections on November 27, 2025, with Chairperson Erastus Ethekon describing them as a decisive moment to demonstrate the commission’s competence and credibility.

Addressing Returning Officers and staff at Sawela Lodges on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Ethekon said the polls would offer a clear measure of how the commission functions under his leadership.

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“As IEBC plans for these by-elections, know that the expectations are high, scrutiny will be intense, and you should rise to the occasion. The country is anxious and keen to evaluate the kind of commission in place under my leadership,” he stated.

The upcoming elections will fill one senatorial seat, six parliamentary positions, and 17 county assembly vacancies.

Ethekon stressed a spirit of collaboration, emphasising that leadership should be mutual and collective.

“I believe in this Secretariat staff and will work with them to deliver the sovereign will of Kenyans. As Chairperson, I’m not only here to provide leadership but also to be led by you to conduct these by-elections. I expect collegiality, mutual respect and collective responsibility from all of us,” he said.

Commission Secretary and CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan highlighted the urgency of preparation, noting that the success of these by-elections will reflect the commission’s reliability.

“For voters, it is a democratic right; for the Commission, it provides a platform to prove its credibility and dependability. Priorities are clear, including logistic readiness, staff training, effective stakeholder engagements, security coordination, and accurate results management,” he said.

Marjan added that every official’s role is vital for ensuring the polls are credible. “Each of you carries a responsibility that will define the credibility of the Commission. This is an opportunity to show we are not only ready for the 24 by-elections in November but also the 2027 General Election,” he noted.

Commissioner Marykaren Sorobit called for detailed and careful planning as the commission prepares for the by-elections and the 2027 polls. “We have faith in our staff because you have the experience. You can only perfect it. Planning is everything; if we get it right, we will deliver the results,” she said.

Ethekon has consistently assured Kenyans of IEBC’s readiness for the 2027 General Election, stating in July that the commission is committed to delivering inclusive, transparent, and peaceful polls on August 10, 2027.

The commission is currently facing a Sh1 billion funding shortfall, with Sh788 million allocated for 16 of the by-elections, leaving Sh258 million unaccounted for. “The 16 had been provided for, and we sort of caused a meeting with the treasury… I hope they will unlock that very quickly because the timelines are sensitive,” Ethekon said.

In addition to the by-elections, IEBC is set to launch Continuous Voter Registration on September 29, targeting 6.3 million new voters, and will release guidelines for independent candidates in preparation for the November polls.