Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana has raised concerns about the growing challenge of political defiance and its impact on the credibility of Kenya’s electoral body.

Speaking during an interview aired by a local television station on Monday, August 25, 2025, Mukhwana highlighted how the refusal by some politicians to accept electoral outcomes continues to undermine public trust in the commission.

“What is burdening IEBC in this country is the history of elections in this country, second is some political leadership,” Mukhwana said.

He explained that whenever elections are conducted and winners are announced, some politicians quickly denounce the commission, branding it as corrupt and labelling staff as thieves.

Mukhwana emphasised that in any election, there is always a winner and a loser, and the manner in which political leaders handle this outcome affects the broader perception of electoral integrity.

“There must be a winner and a loser in every election. Who will be prominent in social space? Losers’ voice or winners’ voice?” he asked.

The commissioner warned that the reluctance of politicians to accept defeat perpetuates public doubt about the electoral process. According to Mukhwana, the issue is not with the commission alone but also with how politics is played in the country.

“Because we have the problem of politicians not accepting loss, our politicians are yet to accept that whoever has won has validly won, shake hands and say there is next time,” he said.

Mukhwana further observed that perceptions of electoral manipulation are often driven by the highly volatile nature of political contests in Kenya.

“The second problem IEBC is compounded with because of this perception is how pure politics are played; it is volatile,” he explained. He stressed that the commission faces heightened scrutiny and criticism whenever political disputes emerge, regardless of the transparency or fairness of the process.

The commissioner’s remarks come at a time when electoral integrity and the peaceful transfer of power remain central to Kenya’s democratic discourse. Analysts say that fostering a culture where politicians respect election outcomes is crucial for building public confidence in the IEBC and strengthening democratic institutions.

A call for political maturity

Mukhwana’s warning underscores the need for political leaders to exhibit maturity and accept results, even in defeat. “It is only when politicians embrace the principle of fair play and acknowledge outcomes that public trust in IEBC can be restored,” he said.

As Kenya continues to prepare for future elections, experts argue that ensuring credibility is not only about the commission’s conduct but also about fostering political accountability and responsibility among leaders.