The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has strongly dismissed claims circulating in political circles suggesting possible interference in the 2027 General Election, warning that such statements risk undermining public trust in the electoral process.
In a statement on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the Commission had taken “grave concern” over recent remarks by unnamed political actors alleging plans to influence the 2027 presidential election through extra-legal means.
He said the remarks were “reckless, baseless and unacceptable,” and appeared aimed at misleading the public and instilling fear in the electoral environment.
“The utterances are clearly intended to instill fear, mislead the public and erode confidence in the integrity of the electoral system. IEBC therefore urges all Kenyans to disregard, dissociate and refrain from amplifying them,” the statement read.
The Commission warned that such narratives could distort public perception of Kenya’s democratic institutions and electoral integrity, urging political actors to exercise restraint in their public communication.
IEBC clarifies legal framework on electoral code of conduct
Ethekon further clarified the legal position governing electoral conduct, noting that the Electoral Code of Conduct under Article 84 of the Constitution and Section 110 of the Elections Act is not currently operational, as it applies within an active election period.
He cited previous judicial interpretation, including a Supreme Court decision, which affirmed that the Code becomes enforceable within the defined electoral timeline once elections are officially underway.
The Commission also noted that it has not yet declared or gazetted any election activities related to the 2027 General Election, cautioning against what it termed premature political rhetoric.
“Notably, the IEBC has not declared any elections. Further, there is no publication of the 2027 General Election that has been made to warrant the current wave of premature and irresponsible utterances,” the statement added.
IEBC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding its independence, impartiality and constitutional mandate, pledging to deliver a credible, free and fair election in line with Kenyan law and international best practice.
The statement comes amid heightened political sensitivity, with other governance bodies also raising concerns over rising intolerance in public discourse.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) recently warned political leaders and social media users against hate speech and ethnic incitement, saying it had resumed full operations and would take action against offenders.
NCIC said it had observed increased incidents of inflammatory political messaging, ethnic profiling and online attacks, cautioning that such conduct threatens national unity and democratic stability.
“Democracy demands tolerance, respect for diversity of opinion, adherence to constitutional principles, and fidelity to the rule of law,” NCIC said, warning that hate speech and incitement remain prosecutable offences under Kenyan law.
The Commission further urged political parties to discipline their members and called on citizens, especially young people, to reject manipulation and engage in peaceful democratic participation.
“No one is above the law. Political influence does not confer immunity from accountability,” NCIC added.
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