Vote theft: IEBC warns against reckless rhetoric as political tempers flare

The newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) faces a daunting task: restoring public trust, navigating a backlog of unfinished business, and ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.

Although the official campaign period is still far off, heightened political activity could easily be mistaken for an impending election, as the contest for the 2027 General Election begins to take shape.

On one hand, the opposition is vowing to unseat President William Ruto while on the other, the Kenya Kwanza administration has asserted its firm grip on government even after the next election.

But it is recent utterances by some politicians, marked by chest-thumping and apparent allusions to electoral manipulation, that have prompted a firm response from the IEBC.

Sworn into office last week, the new team led by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon issued a strongly worded statement rejecting such remarks.

In a statement, the IEBC expressed deep concern over growing rhetoric related to electoral malpractice, stating that such utterances were unacceptable and reckless in a democratic society such as Kenya's. The Commission urged the public to disassociate from and disregard such sentiments.

"While IEBC will constitute the Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee as prescribed under Article 84 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, read together with Section 110 of the Elections Act, the Committee has jurisdiction only during the election period in accordance with judgment of Hon Sabina Chege Supreme Court petition No. 23 (E026) of 2022," IEBC explained.

The Commission added that it had not declared or gazetted any election, nor made any announcements to justify what it termed "desirous political utterances and propaganda."

The IEBC urged all political actors to refrain from speeches and actions likely to undermine confidence in the electoral process, and instead work collaboratively to uphold and strengthen it.

"IEBC assures members of the public and stakeholders it shall safeguard its independence and impartiality while discharging its constitutional mandate and functions as well as remain committed to ensuring free, fair and credible elections in accordance with the laws of Kenya and best practices," IEBC added.

Recent remarks by several allies of President Ruto have sparked fierce debate, with some openly suggesting the President must be re-elected-even if it means rigging.

Wajir County MP Fatuma Jehow is the latest to make controversial comments suggesting their resolve to ensure President Ruto secures a second term.

"Sisi maneno yetu ni mafupi tu, tunasema tu two terms... ama kuna maneno ingine. Sisi tunangojea tu debe iletwe hata kama hatutakuwa na votes tutamuibia hiyo sio siri." Loosely translated (We do not have much to say, we are saying two terms (for Ruto) is there anything else? We are waiting for elections and if we will not have enough votes, we will 'steal' and this is not a secret)," she said.

Kapseret Mp OScar Sudi has also been vocal, saying Ruto must secure a second term and will guarantee his election. " Have you ever heard of a president serving only one term? Ruto isn't going anywhere. Even if the votes aren't enough, we'll add some!" he said earlier in the year.

Separately, former IEBC Chief Executive Officer James Oswago has cautioned that the Commission may not be able to conduct boundary delimitation before the 2027 elections.

"Article 79 of the Constitution governs boundary delimitation. It is not an off-the-shelf task-it is highly legalistic and demands robust public participation. It's not just about maps and rulers," Oswago told The Standard yesterday.

Oswago also called for reform of the tenure of IEBC commissioners, currently set at six years.