National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has called on Kenyan politicians to uphold the independence of the newly reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning that political interference risks undermining public confidence in the electoral body.
Speaking during a church service at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Kanduyi, Bungoma County, Wetang’ula emphasized that the IEBC is a constitutionally mandated institution that must be allowed to operate without external pressure. He cautioned especially younger leaders against making “reckless and prejudicial” statements that could compromise the commission’s autonomy.
“The Commission does not take instructions from anyone, regardless of status or position not even the President can direct the IEBC on how to execute its duties,” he stated.
His remarks come amid growing political debate around the IEBC’s preparations for upcoming by-elections and the nationwide voter registration drive. Wetang’ula noted that Kenyans have waited for the reconstitution of the Commission and now hold high expectations for its effectiveness and impartiality.
To support its operations, Wetang’ula assured the public that the National Assembly is ready to fast-track the approval of the supplementary budget to allocate funds for the voter registration process.
He also urged Kenyan youth to participate in the electoral process by acquiring national identification cards and registering as voters. He welcomed a recent directive by President William Ruto that has eased stringent requirements for obtaining IDs.
“I encourage the youth without national identification cards to take advantage of the recent directive… and ensure they are registered as voters,” Wetang’ula said.
In a broader appeal, the Speaker called for national unity, warning that political ambitions should not override the country’s stability. “The pursuit of the presidency must not come at the expense of national cohesion. Let us not allow politics to tear the country apart,” he said.
Wetangula’s remarks reflect a growing concern over maintaining democratic institutions’ integrity as Kenya heads toward another critical electoral cycle. His call underscores the need for restraint, responsibility, and respect for constitutional bodies.
