Busia Senator and activist Okiya Omtatah has criticized the lack of a fully constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), describing it as a deliberate tactic to block new voters, particularly Gen Zs.
In a post on X on January 10, 2025, he argued that the commission’s leadership vacuum combined with delays and errors in issuing National IDs, creates systemic barriers aimed at suppressing democratic participation.
Omtatah, who has declared interest in vying for the presidential seat in 2027 general election, called for immediate action to protect every Kenyan’s right to register, vote, and be heard, emphasizing the need for electoral justice and the reconstitution of the the electoral body.
“The lack of a fully constituted IEBC is not accidental; it’s a deliberate design. This calculated move aims to block new voters, particularly the Gen Zs, who represent the majority. Coupled with delays and errors in issuing National IDs, it becomes clear that these systemic hurdles are meant to suppress participation in our democracy,” Omtatah wrote.
Adding that; “We must call this out and demand immediate action to ensure every Kenyan’s right to register, vote, and be heard is protected.”
IEBC vacuum
The the country has been grapples with a prolonged leadership vacuum at IEBC for years.
The electoral body has been without commissioners following the exit of four members, popularly known as the Cherera Four, who disputed the 2022 presidential election results.
The retirement of IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati and two other commissioners, Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye, added to the leadership gap.
The Cherera Four – Juliana Cherera, Francis Wandera, Irene Masit, and Justus Nyang’aya – resigned following a fallout over the results of the August 2022 presidential election.
The four former IEBC commissioners disputed the 2022 presidential election results announced by the commission’s former chair Wafula Chebukati. The other two commissioners, Abdi Yakub Guliye and Boya Molu agreed with the final tally of the election results.
President William Ruto on July 9, 2024, signed the IEBC (Amendment) Bill, 2024, setting the stage for the appointment of new commissioners, though the process has yet to be finalized.
Leaders threaten action
Several leaders and activists have strongly condemned the government for failing to reconstitute the IEBC in time.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in December 2024 called for the speedy reconstitution of the electoral body, warning that delays could compromise the credibility of the upcoming elections.
Speaking at an event in Kasarani, Nairobi, Gachagua called out the government for failing to prioritize the establishment of the electoral body.
“An election is as credible as the process. The Krigler report emphasized that the electoral commission must be in place three years before the elections. We have two and a half years left, yet there is no IEBC in place. People can read mischief,” Gachagua said.
On his part, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has threatened to lead nationwide demonstrations against the Kenya Kwanza government if President William Ruto fails to reconstitute IEBC panel by March 2025.
Speaking during a thanksgiving event for Wiper nominated MCA Catherine Kyee in Machakos County on Saturday, December 21, 2024, Kalonzo expressed displeasure with the government’s readiness to constitute the electoral body.
“If the IEBC has not been reconstituted by March next year, I will lead Maandamano demonstrations against this disastrous KK regime. We will send Zakayo home,” the Wiper leader said.
Activist-turned-politician Morara Kebaso, who is eying the presidential seat, has also expressed his readiness to lead street protests against the lack of a functioning IEBC.
In a statement in December 2024, Morara called on Kenyans to join him in demanding action to address the state of the electoral body.
