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IEBC chair nominee defends ongoing early campaigns ahead of 2027 elections

IEBC chair nominee defends ongoing early campaigns ahead of 2027 elections
IEBC chair appointee while being vetted by the National Assembly. PHOTO//@EdwinHinda/X

While appearing before the National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) for his vetting, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairperson nominee Erastus Edung Ethekon was put to the task over the ongoing early campaigns, with over two years remaining before the 2027 General Election.

Ethekon firmly defended the early political activities, stating that they are fully entrenched in the Constitution. He cited Article 38, which grants Kenyans the right to political participation, freedom of association, and expression.

“Article 38 of the Constitution gives Kenyans political freedom, but there are also those rights like the right to association, freedom of speech, and all that,” Ethekon said on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

The nominee went on to express deep gratitude for the Kenyan Constitution, praising it as a progressive and empowering document that has given citizens the space to actively participate in shaping their country’s future.

He noted that the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution, particularly the rights to association, expression, and political participation, have made Kenya one of the most politically vibrant societies in the region.

Contrasting it with what he has witnessed in other countries.

Ethekon
Erastus Edung Ethekon speaks during his interview for the position of chairperson of the IEBC. PHOTO/Screengrab by People Daily Digital

“Kenya is such a vibrant society, and I thank God for that. We should be proud as Kenyans that we have a constitution that gives us these rights. I have visited some countries, and the moment you land there, you see gloom.

“People are not even engaged about their governance and leadership and their future,” he remarked.

According to Ethekon, the ongoing political campaigns are not unlawful. He emphasised that Kenyans are merely exercising their constitutional rights and showing concern for the country’s future, which should be seen as a strength, and there is nothing unlawful about it.

In recent months, the country has witnessed early campaigns, with politicians moving around on vehicle sunroofs, soliciting support ahead of the 2027 elections.

Battle lines are already being drawn, and new coalitions are being formed.

Many have argued that this trend is unhealthy for the country’s democracy, especially as leaders who were elected into office and are now only halfway through their terms have also joined the campaign trail.

His other sentiments

While appearing before the committee, emphasised his commitment to curbing any possible post-election violence in 2027.

He assured the committee that he would work closely with security agencies and the NCIC to develop preventive measures and help avert violence similar to what was witnessed in 2007.

Ekur Edong
IEBC chair nominee, while appearing before the JLAC on Saturday, May 31, 2025, for vetting. PHOTO//@OliverMathenge/X

He also assured the committee that he would draw on the experience he gained while serving at UNDP, where he focused on recovery efforts following the 2007 post-election violence.

During his time there, they developed recommendations that contributed to the peaceful conduct of subsequent elections.

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