'There will be no ghost polling stations': IEBC boss Ethekon vows free, fair 2027 elections

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Erastus Ethekon has announced that the 2027 elections will be free and fair, amidst statements from President William Ruto’s allies that he will be voted back for a second term by all means necessary.

Ethekon, speaking during a Wednesday breakfast meeting with media stakeholders, said the commission is independent and will not act on any orders contrary to the Constitution.

The IEBC boss, who acknowledged receiving concerns over early campaigns, said they are engaging with the Attorney General in drafting a new law to help deal with early campaigns.

"Going forward to 2027, I personally don’t think there will be stealing of votes. It is almost impossible, and the possibility of impossibility. But if there are loopholes, point them out to us so that we can seal those loopholes. There will be no ghost polling stations," he said.

Over the last few weeks, the country has been treated to unsettling statements made by MPs allied to President Ruto.

The leaders, without mincing their words, have alluded to plans to ensure the ruling coalition earns a second term during the 2027 general elections by all means.

"Oscar (Sudi) anasema isipojaa tutajaza, na mimi nasema kwa njia ingine, but we are saying the same thing kwamba lazima ijae kwa vyovyote vile," said Tiaty MP William Kamket.

Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow, at a different function, said: "Sisi tunangojea debe iletwe, hata kama hatutakuwa na vote tutamwibia. Hiyo si siri..."

Ethekon says the commission is focused on delivering its mandate guided by the Constitution and will not act on any illegal orders.

"Our elections are highly regulated by law at every step. We have a vibrant media to check. We have said: check every step. That is the best way we can do," he stated.

With political temperatures rising due to early campaigns, IEBC is consulting with Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, who was directed by the High Court to draft new laws on political campaigns to define timelines and address related concerns.

"Access to accurate information at every stage of the electoral process is vital for building and sustaining public confidence. This is why the commission is committed to working with the media," noted IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan.

The Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) President Zubeida Kananu added: "We are concerned by the growing wave of political intolerance. Political rallies are being disrupted by hired goons. Hate speech and inflammatory remarks are being normalised. Few perpetrators are held accountable. This climate threatens not only democracy but also journalists’ safety."

The IEBC chairman, who promised to release the by-election dates within a week, affirmed that the 2027 polls will be held as planned.