IEBC commissioner dismisses claims that elections can be easily manipulated
By Faith Lagat, February 13, 2026Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana has strongly dismissed claims that elections in Kenya can be easily manipulated, insisting that robust voter verification measures make rigging impossible.
Speaking in a video shared on IEBC’s official X account on February 13, 2026, Mukhwana emphasised multi-layered identification processes, including national identity cards, biometric fingerprints, and iris recognition.”It is impossible to steal an election,” he stated, urging Kenyans to ignore rumours.
Mukhwana strongly dismissed claims of easy election manipulation, emphasising the strict voter verification processes in place.
“Wacheni kusikiliza porojo… huwezi kuingia kituo cha kura kupiga kura bila ID. You must insert your fingerprint, and for the new one, there is an iris check to affirm it is you.”
The commissioner further assured citizens that the 2027 General Election will be free, fair, and credible.
The commissioner highlighted that these multi-layered safeguards, including national identity cards, biometric fingerprints, and iris recognition, make it impossible for anyone to vote without proper identification or to impersonate another voter. He further assured citizens that the 2027 General Election will be free, fair, and credible.
“Sometimes IEBC is unfairly criticised… I assure you the elections that will come in 2027 will be free, fair, and credible,” he said, calling on voters to register and participate to shape their future.
The commissioner’s remarks come amid heightened public scrutiny of electoral processes ahead of the February 26 by-elections and the 2027 polls.
Contrasting Views on Electoral Reforms
However, they contrast with concerns raised by Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, who on February 10, 2026, recommended that presidential election results be announced as final at polling stations to prevent cited rigging during transmission to headquarters.
“What we are saying is that we stop the transmission of election results from the ward and sub-county levels to Nairobi – that is where elections are always stolen,” Senator Onyonka said during a television interview.
He argued that accepting polling station results as final would enhance transparency and credibility, while also highlighting past issues with KIEMS kit breakdowns.
Preparations for 2027 Polls IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has outlined the commission’s preparedness, announcing that a nationwide mass voter registration exercise will commence on March 29, 2026.
The drive targets millions of new voters, particularly youth, with system upgrades to improve efficiency and reduce congestion. Despite these assurances, the commission faces challenges, including delayed funding and pending electoral legal reforms.