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IEBC commissioner Mukhwana: Politicians fueling distrust in elections
25th August, 2025 10:21 AM
Alutalala Mukhwana, one of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioners, has accused a section of political leaders of fueling distrust towards the IEBC.
Speaking during a local TV station interview on Monday, August 25, 2025, Mukhwana said the credibility of the electoral body is often dragged into unnecessary controversy by politicians who refuse to accept defeat.
According to Mukhwana, every electoral cycle tends to follow the same script: politicians who win praise the IEBC, while those who lose blame it for fraud and manipulation.
He said this behaviour has entrenched a culture of suspicion that unfairly damages the commission’s reputation.
Call for political responsibility
“The culture of not accepting defeat by a section of political players tarnishes IEBC’s credibility. Every time our political leadership work together, there is peace, and IEBC has no problem then.
“But the moment an election takes place and it is declared done, IEBC is the most terrible organisation in Kenya. Our politicians don’t accept that whoever has won, won it fairly,” Mukhwana said.
Mukhwana urged leaders to take greater responsibility in shaping a democratic culture that respects institutions. He noted that public confidence in the commission cannot be restored if politicians continue to treat elections as a zero-sum game.
He further emphasised that leaders should avoid inflammatory statements that delegitimise the IEBC without evidence, as such remarks breed public mistrust and undermine stability.
Instead, disputes should be resolved through legal channels such as the courts and not through political rallies.
Restoring trust in IEBC
The commissioner also outlined what he sees as the path to restoring trust in the IEBC.
He said bipartisan cooperation among political actors is crucial, as demonstrated in moments when the political class has stood united in reform processes.
“Every time our political leadership work together, there is peace and IEBC has no problem,” he reiterated, adding that harmony at the political level translates into smoother electoral management.
His remarks come as Kenya prepares for upcoming by-elections and in the shadow of the 2027 polls, where concerns about credibility and preparedness are already emerging.
Mukhwana maintained that for the IEBC to function effectively, politicians must abandon the culture of scapegoating and instead embrace accountability and respect for democratic outcomes.
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