IEBC issues statement after Fatuma Jehow’s vote-rigging remarks

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a strong statement following controversial remarks by Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Abdi Jehow, who publicly claimed that MPs from the North Eastern region would rig the 2027 elections in favour of President William Ruto.
In a press release dated Sunday, July 13, 2025, the IEBC described such statements as “unacceptable and reckless” in a democratic society. The Commission urged all Kenyans to ignore and disassociate themselves from these remarks, warning that such utterances could erode public trust in electoral processes.
“The Commission is concerned about statements on election malpractices in the country. Such utterances are unacceptable and reckless in a democratic society such as ours, and IEBC urges all Kenyans to ignore or disassociate with them,” they stated.
Jehow’s remarks, made during a public meeting in Wajir on Saturday, sparked widespread public outrage. She boldly claimed that leaders from her region would support the president, even if it meant stealing votes to ensure his victory.
Her statement, “Even if we don’t have the votes, we will steal them for him,” has since gone viral and attracted criticism from civil society, opposition leaders, and ordinary citizens alike.

Not campaign season yet
While distancing itself from such sentiments, the IEBC clarified that no elections have been declared or gazetted, and that Kenya is currently not in an election period. The Commission stated it would only establish the Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee during the official election period, in line with constitutional provisions and a Supreme Court ruling on jurisdiction.
“While IEBC will constitute the Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee as prescribed under Article 84 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, read together with Section 110 of the Elections Act, the Committee has jurisdiction only during the election period in accordance with judgment of Hon. Sabina Chege Supreme Court petition No. 23 (E026) of 2022.”
“It should be noted that the IEBC has not declared any elections. Further, there is no gazettement or declaration that has been made to warrant such desirous political utterances and propaganda. The country is not on a campaign period at the moment.”
IEBC Chairman assured Kenyans that the Commission is now fully constituted and will begin engagements with stakeholders, including political leaders, to strengthen electoral trust. The agency called on all political figures to refrain from reckless statements that may damage confidence in Kenya’s democracy.
The IEBC concluded by reaffirming its commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, and vowed to safeguard its independence and impartiality. It urged the public to rely only on official communication from its platforms for accurate and up-to-date information.
Author
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a digital writer with over five years of experience. He graduated in February 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from The Co-operative University of Kenya. He has written news and feature stories for platforms such as Construction Review Online, Sports Brief, Briefly News, and Criptonizando. In 2023, he completed a course in Digital Investigation Techniques with AFP. He joined People Daily in May 2025. For inquiries, he can be reached at kenneth.mwenda@mediamax.ke.
View all posts by Kenneth Mwenda