Wetang’ula challenges new IEBC to rebuild trust before 2027 elections
By Faith Lagat, July 31, 2025National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged the newly reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to prioritise restoring public confidence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a meeting with parliamentary leaders on July 31, 2025, Wetang’ula underscored the Commission’s critical role in delivering transparent and fair polls, warning that failure to rebuild trust could lead to a divisive electoral process.
“The Kenyan people expect from you nothing short of impartiality, integrity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the constitutional mandate bestowed upon the Commission,” said Wetang’ula. He challenged the commissioners to act as neutral arbiters, serving all Kenyans equally.
With less than two years to the next general election, Wetang’ula stressed the urgency of key pending tasks, including resolving the delayed boundary review, cleaning up the voter register, conducting civic education, and organising by-elections.
“There is no time for excuses; it is time for action, and your tray is full,” he added. While assuring Parliament’s support in terms of funding and oversight, the Speaker emphasised the Commission’s independence, stating, “Parliament will not micromanage the Commission.”
Trust deficit
Several MPs expressed concern over the persistent trust deficit facing the IEBC. Gilgil MP Martha Wangari said the commission must go the extra mile to regain public faith. Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo noted that while voting processes are largely smooth, tallying and transmission of results remain the most contentious. “The big issue is tallying and transmission of results. That is one area I want you to focus on,” Amollo said.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma emphasised the need to verify the voter register early, noting that the 2022 verification was rushed and poorly executed. Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse called on the Commission to provide a clear roadmap for pending by-elections, including in Banisa Constituency.
Cost rationalisation
Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairperson Samuel Atandi urged the Commission to review its spending plans, citing a Ksh 64 billion request for the 2027 polls and upcoming by-elections. “The cost of elections in Kenya is extremely high. You must find ways of bringing it down because we are also not in a very good fiscal space,” he said.
IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah acknowledged the concerns and pledged to make the electoral process inclusive, especially for young voters. “We want to include them in all stages and processes so that we move beyond lamentations and make them feel truly represented,” she said, adding that the Commission aims to register six million new voters, primarily youth.
Chairperson Erastus Ekethon Edung reaffirmed the team’s commitment to delivering credible, transparent, and fair elections.