Newly appointed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has pledged a transparent and inclusive approach as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Elections. Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, Ethekon assured Kenyans that the commission is committed to openness and collaboration with all stakeholders, including political parties and the media.
“We are barely three weeks into office, and our secretariat is working day and night on the elections plan,” said Ethekon, who assumed office less than a month ago. He affirmed that both scheduled by-elections and the 2027 General Elections would proceed as planned, with the full elections roadmap to be released soon.
Ethekon emphasized that elections are a process and not a single-day event, calling for constructive political dialogue through the IEBC’s liaison committee. “As a commission, we will do our bit to have dialogue with political parties, the liaison committee, and political players to discuss how we can manage the election process,” he said.
In a call for media responsibility, the chair urged journalists to avoid amplifying inflammatory political rhetoric, warning that such actions can escalate tensions. “If the media amplifies inflammatory remarks, they will go viral. Why are we giving these people the platform?” he asked.
Ethekon reiterated the commission’s commitment to an open-door policy, inviting the media to hold IEBC accountable. “We do not have solutions for everything. We are trying to learn, innovate, and take action on good ideas,” he added.
IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan echoed the sentiments, urging the media to verify information before publishing, even under pressure. “We should not compromise elections on cost-cutting but cost optimisation,” he stressed.
This renewed push for transparency comes amid controversy over remarks by Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Abdi Jehow, who allegedly claimed that leaders from North Eastern Kenya were planning to rig the 2027 polls. The commission condemned such statements, warning they undermine public trust and democratic values.
“The IEBC assures members of the public and stakeholders that it shall safeguard its independence and impartiality,” the commission said, reaffirming its constitutional mandate.
