Ole Kanchory questions IEBC credibility after Duale’s confidence in Ruto’s win
By Faith Lagat, January 29, 2026Human rights advocate Saitabao ole Kanchory has raised concerns over the credibility of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following remarks by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale expressing confidence in President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027.
In an X post dated January 29, 2026, Kanchory reacted to Duale’s recent interview in which the cabinet secretary predicted a decisive victory for Ruto.
“William Ruto will win in 2027 by two million to three million votes. The rest are jokers; the serious competitor is not around,” Duale assured.
He further challenged the opposition’s mobilisation capacity, asserting, “All these other oppositions cannot even fill Uhuru Park. Tell them to fill it, and I will pay. It is only William Ruto who can fill Uhuru Park.”
Concerns over Duale’s remarks
Kanchory’s response pointed to what he described as contradictions between Duale’s statements and controversies surrounding the Ministry of Health.
“Just days after we saw how Billions are being stolen under his watch, Duale now says he has the money to personally pay millions of opposition supporters if they can fill Uhuru Park,” Kanchory wrote.
While acknowledging that some aspects of Duale’s assessment of the opposition were difficult to dispute, Kanchory expressed concern over the broader implications for electoral integrity. “With this IEBC, Ruto will win with whatever margin he wants,” he added.
His remarks have drawn attention to ongoing debates around the independence and preparedness of the electoral body ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Opposition engagement with IEBC
The comments come amid heightened political activity around the IEBC. Leaders from the United Opposition coalition recently met IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon and commissioners, seeking assurances of a free and fair electoral process.
The meeting, initially described as a courtesy call, became tense as opposition leaders raised concerns over security lapses witnessed during recent by-elections. They also urged the commission to halt further engagements with the Venezuelan-based technology firm Smartmatic.
“We have demanded free and fair elections,” said Martha Karua.
Eugene Wamalwa warned against the adoption of disputed technology, stating, “This same technology was used in Uganda, and KIEMS kits failed; we do not want that in Kenya.” Kalonzo Musyoka added, “We have raised serious concerns about Smartmatic.”
In his remarks, Duale also addressed the state of the opposition, referencing veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.
“Raila Odinga’s political constituency and stature were like a pillar. That pillar has crashed, and to rebuild it will take time,” he said.
Duale maintained that no current opposition figure commands sufficient national support to mount a serious challenge against President Ruto.