Wetang’ula warns leaders against remarks that disrupt IEBC operations
Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ul,a, has urged political leaders to stop making statements that could interfere with the work of the newly reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Addressing worshippers at St Paul’s Catholic Church in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, on Sunday, Wetang’ula emphasised that the IEBC must be allowed to operate independently as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
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“The IEBC is constitutionally mandated to work without interference. Not even the president can direct its actions,” he said, warning that inflammatory political statements risk undermining public trust in the electoral process.
Wetang’ula’s comments come amid growing political tension surrounding the IEBC’s role. Kenya’s electoral history has often been marred by disputes, and concerns over the commission’s independence are already surfacing ahead of the next polls.
IEBC chair over rigging claims
This comes days after the IEBC issued a separate statement condemning remarks made by Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Abdi Jehow, who alleged that MPs from the Northeastern region were planning to rig the 2027 elections in favour of President William Ruto.
In its July 13, 2025, press release, the commission described Jehow’s claims as “unacceptable and reckless,” warning that such unverified allegations could fuel political tension and undermine public trust in the electoral system.
The IEBC urged Kenyans to disregard the statements, stressing that preserving the credibility of the commission is vital for the nation’s democratic stability. It further called on leaders to act responsibly and avoid spreading narratives that could erode electoral confidence ahead of the polls.
On July 19, 2025, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon reinforced the commission’s position during a press briefing in Nairobi. He warned politicians against making remarks that cast aspersions on the IEBC’s integrity, stating that inflammatory utterances could destabilise the pre-election environment and plant seeds of discord among voters.
Ethekon dismissed concerns about the commission’s neutrality, reiterating its commitment to fairness and transparency in the upcoming August 2027 elections. “We are not worried about those sentiments. We addressed this last week and continue to urge all citizens to work with us in good faith,” he said. He cautioned that reckless political rhetoric could lead to unnecessary tensions, urging leaders to promote peace and support the electoral process rather than undermine it.
The remarks also come at a time when opposition leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, are encouraging youth to take on a bigger role in challenging the political status quo.
With both Wetang’ula and Ethekon calling for respect of the IEBC’s mandate, the stage is set for heightened scrutiny as Kenya edges closer to another election cycle.
