IEBC Breaks Silence on Alleged Plot to Rig 2027 Elections
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has strongly denied claims of a plan to rig the 2027 General Election, urging political leaders to avoid making careless statements that could undermine public trust.
In a statement released on Sunday night, July 13, the IEBC described recent political remarks as “reckless and unacceptable,” warning that such talk could damage confidence in Kenya’s democratic process.
“The Commission is alarmed by increasing allegations of election misconduct. These kinds of statements have no place in a democratic society,” part of the statement read. “We urge Kenyans to ignore or distance themselves from such claims.”
The IEBC’s comments follow controversial remarks by Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Abdi Jehow during her homecoming rally on Saturday, July 12. While speaking to supporters, Jehow claimed that MPs from the North Eastern region were ready to rig the presidential vote in favor of President William Ruto’s re-election.
Jehow was quoted saying in Kiswahili: “Sisi wabunge wa North Eastern maneno ya President, tunasema ‘tutam’, hata kama hatutakuwa na votes tutamwibia… hio si siri.”
(Translation: “We MPs from North Eastern stand with the President. Even if we don’t have votes, we’ll steal them for him… that’s no secret.”)
Her statement sparked backlash online, with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna calling on the IEBC to take immediate action.
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In response, the IEBC clarified that it has not announced or gazetted any 2027 elections, and therefore, Kenya is not officially in a campaign period.
“It is important to clarify that the Commission has not declared any elections for 2027. There is no legal basis for the kind of political talk we are hearing,” the IEBC emphasized.
To support its position, the commission referenced a 2023 Supreme Court ruling in a case involving former Murang’a Woman Rep Sabina Chege. In 2022, Chege was summoned for claiming that the 2017 election was rigged in favor of Jubilee. She later challenged the IEBC’s authority, arguing that it could not take disciplinary action outside an official election period. The Supreme Court ruled that while the IEBC can enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct, it can only do so once an election has been declared and candidates have been confirmed.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparent and credible elections, the IEBC said it will continue to monitor political conduct and act within the law.
This latest statement comes shortly after the swearing-in of new IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon and six commissioners on Friday. Their first task is to manage several upcoming by-elections, including six for parliamentary seats, one for the Senate, and 15 for MCA positions.
IEBC Breaks Silence on Alleged Plot to Rig 2027 Elections
