Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has cautioned against political interference in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning that Kenya cannot afford to gamble with the integrity of the electoral body. Speaking on K24, Matiang’i reflected on the painful lessons of the 2007 post-election violence, stressing the urgent need to restore public confidence in the IEBC and the broader judicial system.
“Where we are in our country, we cannot afford games around the IEBC,” Matiang’i stated. “We got into problems in 2007 because people lacked confidence in the electoral commission and the courts… It’s their responsibility to ensure Kenyans have faith in their work.”
Matiang’i urged the newly appointed IEBC commissioners, led by chairperson Erastus Ethekon, to uphold transparency and fairness as they take office. He emphasized that the credibility of Kenya’s next general election, scheduled for 2027, hinges on the Commission’s ability to operate independently and instill trust among citizens.
“We cannot lack faith in the IEBC and the courts or other state agencies and think we can have peace,” he said. “There can be no peace in Kenya if the people think there is foul play around IEBC.”
The former CS, who is now aligned with opposition politics, said he and his colleagues would closely monitor the Commission’s conduct, hinting at possible resistance should irregularities arise.
Matiang’i’s sentiments echo growing concerns within the opposition over the credibility of the newly constituted Commission. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has already dismissed the new team as a “handpicked commission,” warning against any attempt to compromise the electoral process.
“To the new IEBC, please do not try Kenyans. Already, the irregularities are far too many. Therefore, stand warned that any attempt to tamper with the electoral process will be met with unrelenting resistance,” Kalonzo cautioned.
His remarks came just hours after Chief Justice Martha Koome swore in the new IEBC leadership at the Supreme Court on Friday. As the country inches closer to the 2027 polls, the spotlight remains firmly on the IEBC to deliver free, fair, and transparent elections.