The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has condemned recent claims by political actors alleging that they will influence or manipulate the outcome of the 2027 General Election.

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In a statement signed by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon on Tuesday, May 26, the commission termed the remarks dangerous to Kenya’s democratic processes.

“These utterances, which have elicited considerable disquiet within the electoral environment, pose a real risk of distorting public perception of Kenya’s democratic processes. IEBC considers such utterances to be unacceptable, reckless and entirely baseless,” the statement read.

According to the commission, the remarks risk distorting public perception of the country’s democratic system and undermining confidence in the integrity of future elections, while attempting to instill fear and mislead the public regarding the country’s electoral processes.

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IEBC also rejected allegations suggesting that the electoral body is compromised by external influence, terming such claims false and disrespectful to the institution’s constitutional role.

The commission emphasised that it would engage relevant authorities for appropriate action against individuals making statements aimed at eroding public trust in the electoral process.

“IEBC shall engage the relevant authorities for appropriate action. It is time political actors stopped hoodwinking the public that the election will be rigged and instead start embracing the steps set out on the country’s preparedness to conduct the 2027 General Election,” the commission wrote.

The statement comes after recent controversial remarks by Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula suggesting that President William Ruto’s administration will have influence on the 2027 General Election due to its role in funding the national budget and facilitating the IEBC.

Savula, who is coordinating Ruto’s re-election campaign in Western Kenya, later defended his remarks, saying they had been misinterpreted and were meant to express political confidence in the current administration ahead of the next polls.

The remarks, made during a United Democratic Alliance delegates’ meeting in Lugari, also drew criticism after Hamisi MP Charles Gimose allegedly urged party delegates to ensure Ruto wins the election.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke