Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya’s Strategic Advisor Fredrick Okango has raised concerns over the preparedness of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

Taking to his official X account on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the former KANU secretary of political affairs warned that the credibility of the 2027 general election is at risk despite the voting date being constitutionally fixed.

Okango noted that while Kenyans are certain about when they will vote, that is August 10, 2027, there is growing uncertainty about how the election will be conducted, citing what he described as a disorganised and constrained electoral commission.

“Kenya knows when it will vote, but not how. The Constitution fixes Aug 10, 2027, but a DISORGANISED and CONSTRAINED @IEBCKenya risks an election without credibility,” Okango stated.

Public trust

He argued that the absence of public trust in the electoral body poses a greater threat to democracy than uncertainty over election dates, warning that credibility, not timing, is the cornerstone of a legitimate electoral process.

“Timing is certain. Trust is NOT,” he wrote on X.

New IEBC CEO

Okango’s remarks come moments after IEBC appointed Moses Ledama Sunkuli as its Acting Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary, with immediate effect.

In a statement issued on Thursday, February 5, 2026, the Commission said the appointment follows the exit of the former Chief Executive Officer, Marjan Hussein Marjan.

Sunkuli, who currently serves as the IEBC Director of Electoral Operations, will hold the position in an acting capacity for a period of six months or until a substantive CEO is recruited and appointed.

The IEBC noted that Sunkuli brings extensive experience and deep institutional knowledge to the role, having served in key operational capacities within the Commission.

The electoral body also said it is committed to fast-tracking the recruitment process for a substantive Chief Executive Officer while ensuring continuity in operations and stability within the institution.