Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has warned politicians and the media against pushing narratives that portray the electoral body as compromised.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 2, Ethekon maintained that the IEBC would execute its mandate in accordance with the Constitution and cautioned that those spreading unsubstantiated claims risk damaging public trust in the commission.
He expressed concern that some media reports were being published without proper fact-checking, allowing wild allegations to take root in the minds of Kenyans and create doubts about the fairness of the 2027 elections.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon. Photo: Courtesy.
The IEBC Chair warned that such narratives could lead to distrust in institutions of governance and threatened to expose individuals and media houses pushing the narrative.
He reiterated that the commission would guard its independence at all costs and would call out anyone, whether in the media or political space, who attempts to undermine the IEBC without justifiable reason.
Ethekon also clarified that the independence of the commission did not mean operating in a vacuum, noting that the environment demands collaboration with other institutions and stakeholders.
He assured the public that the IEBC would work with relevant bodies to secure peace during the elections and that the 2027 vote would be free and fair.
The statement came days after the IEBC dismissed allegations by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua regarding the procurement of electoral technology for the 2027 General Election.
The commission had accused Gachagua of spreading misinformation and defended its procurement processes, stating they were conducted in accordance with the Constitution, the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, and other applicable regulations.
