President William Ruto’s Senior Economic Advisor, Moses Kuria, has sounded the alarm over a potential democratic crisis in Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election. Kuria warned that ongoing legal hurdles blocking the swearing-in of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners, coupled with recurring political violence, threaten to derail the country’s electoral process.
In a strongly worded statement, Kuria described the IEBC impasse and political unrest as “twin dangers” that could lead to the indefinite postponement of the 2027 elections. “We cannot have elections in 2027 for as long as the courts continue to block the swearing-in of IEBC commissioners, and other people continue to make violence our staple food,” he said.
Referencing the Kenya Kwanza slogan “Kumi Bila Break,” Kuria said the current situation could lead to an unintended extension of the ruling coalition’s stay in power. “The twin dangers of IEBC and violence will convert Kumi Bila Break into Kumi Bila Barrier,” he warned, implying that a failure to address these issues could entrench the current administration beyond its constitutional term.
Kuria also cited the Krigler Report, which followed the 2007 post-election crisis, noting its emphasis on the need for a fully constituted and independent electoral body at least two years before a general election. He warned that the current stalemate, if unresolved, could push critical timelines into the 2027 election year, compromising the credibility of the process.
The High Court recently halted the swearing-in of IEBC nominees, despite allowing Parliament to proceed with their vetting. Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that the appointments must remain on hold pending the outcome of a petition challenging the recruitment process.
Kuria’s remarks have drawn criticism from opposition leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who accused him of attempting to lay the groundwork for election postponement.
With just 39 days remaining before the two-year countdown to the 2027 polls begins, Kuria’s statement has heightened political tensions, underscoring the urgency of resolving the IEBC stalemate and curbing violence to preserve Kenya’s democratic trajectory.
