IEBC urges media to report factually amid election scrutiny

The media has been warned against targeting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) with baseless criticism following the November 27 by-elections, amid claims of voter intimidation, ballot stuffing and alleged involvement in localised violence in several constituencies.

Speaking on Saturday during the Gala Dinner that concluded the Kenya Editors’ Guild Annual Convention in Kilifi, IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon called on journalists to hold the commission accountable, but stressed that scrutiny must be grounded in evidence, fairness and factual accuracy.

“You need to ask us to be factual and provide evidence when we err. When our politicians are involved, even in instances of violence, you should ask who is behind the goons,” he said.

“As we move forward, you play a crucial role. Hold us accountable for any oversights, but also give us credit when we get it right.”

Ethekon expressed concern over what he described as “negative headlines without merit” that could erode public trust in the electoral process and reduce voter participation as the 2027 general elections approach.

“When we see negative headlines about IEBC without merit, it’s concerning. We’re still in our infancy. Such narratives not only endanger us but also discourage fellow Kenyans from registering to vote. Questioning our integrity affects voter turnout. If this continues, voter turnout might dwindle to 40 per cent,” he warned.

The chairperson’s remarks come amid intense scrutiny after the November by-elections, which saw accusations of violence, voter bribery, intimidation and ballot stuffing in various constituencies. During a press briefing on polling day, United Opposition co-principal Ex–Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleged deliberate efforts to compromise the vote.

“It is now clear that plans to stuff ballot papers are complete and our agents are being intimidated to subvert the sovereign will of the people,” he said.

The commission, however, dismissed the allegations, insisting that the mini-polls were conducted in a free and fair environment. It stated that its officers acted professionally and that any isolated incidents were promptly addressed according to electoral procedures.

Opposition leaders, however, dismissed the commission’s defence. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the IEBC’s public response was insufficient to reassure voters.

“The response from IEBC has been weak and insufficient. The IEBC, by failing to address the genuine concerns raised by the Opposition and the Media and by neglecting to put in place the necessary remedial measures, continues to cast a long shadow over its own independence. This new commission now stands accused, not by us alone, but by its actions, of presiding over a process whose credibility grows more questionable by the day,” Musyoka said.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) also criticised the commission. In a statement, LSK president Faith Odhiambo said the IEBC should have anticipated the violence witnessed in some areas and taken steps to prevent it.

“However, the reports of unbridled violence and unrest during the conduct of the by-elections indicate a worrying level of ill-preparedness on the part of the electoral stakeholders,” she said.

Ethekon emphasised that while criticism is healthy, it must be grounded in verifiable facts to avoid undermining institutions still working to regain public trust. He reiterated that the media’s watchdog role is indispensable but must be exercised responsibly to prevent spreading misinformation or damaging confidence in democratic processes.

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