IEBC pledges credible 2027 polls amid fears of election meddling
By Emmanuel Rono, June 24, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has assured Kenyans that it is committed to delivering a transparent, credible and accountable 2027 General Election, drawing lessons from past electoral experiences to strengthen the country’s democratic processes.
Speaking during the launch of the IEBC Strategic Plan 2024-2029 and the Election Operations Plan (EOP) 2025-2027 on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the commission had carefully reviewed recommendations from election observers, court rulings, post-election assessments and stakeholder consultations to improve its preparedness for future elections.
“I wish to assure all Kenyans that the Commission has listened to your expectations. We have reflected on lessons from previous electoral cycles and carefully considered recommendations from election observation missions, court decisions, post-election evaluations, and stakeholder engagements. These lessons have informed the reforms, priorities, and operational improvements contained in the documents we launch today,” Ethekon said.
Integrity of IEBC
He pledged that the electoral agency would safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and protect every vote cast by Kenyans.
“I promise that we will safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. We will protect the secrecy and sanctity of every vote and uphold the sovereign will of the people of Kenya,” he said.
Ethekon expressed confidence that the commission would discharge its constitutional mandate impartially and professionally ahead of the 2027 polls.
“When the story of the 2027 General Election is written, we desire that Kenyans will say their Electoral Commission prepared diligently, acted impartially, rose to the occasion, and faithfully discharged its constitutional mandate,” he added.
The IEBC chairperson emphasised that the success of elections cannot be achieved by the commission alone, noting that democracy requires the active participation of all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, state institutions, the media, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens.
“The ballot remains the highest expression of the sovereign will of the people. It is a sacred democratic trust, and we must protect it collectively, consistently, and courageously,” he said.
His claim came after the Opposition lamented being left in the dark. Speaking on behalf of the Opposition, former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi called on the electoral body to halt the launch of the plan and involve all stakeholders.
“We call upon the IEBC to halt the launch of the Elections Operations Plan and initiate a genuine, inclusive, and transparent stakeholder consultation process. We call upon the Commission to place democracy above expediency, participation above secrecy, and public confidence above administrative convenience,” Muturi stated.
“The 2027 General Election must not only be free and fair. It must also be seen to be free and fair. That process begins today, with transparency, consultation, and accountability,” he added.