“Stop Uttering Reckless Statements!” – IEBC Says Over 2027 Election Manipulation
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has condemned recent assertions by political actors that they intend to influence or manipulate the outcome of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon on Tuesday, May 26, the commission described the remarks as detrimental to Kenya’s democratic processes.
“These utterances, which have elicited considerable disquiet within the electoral environment, pose a real risk of distorting public perception of Kenya’s democratic processes,” the statement read.
“IEBC considers such utterances to be unacceptable, reckless and entirely baseless.”
The commission believes that the remarks have the potential to alter the public view of the country’s democratic system and undermine trust in future elections.
Press Release:
Claims by Persons Purporting to Stage Election Manipulation in the 2027 General Election
IEBC notes with grave concern recent utterances by certain political actors alleging that they will influence the electoral process in the 2027 presidential election through… pic.twitter.com/8kP2Vz9Xqz— IEBC (@IEBCKenya) May 26, 2026
This also aims to instil fear and misinformation in the public about the country’s political processes.
The IEBC also disputed suggestions that the electoral body is corrupted by external influence, calling such claims untrue and disrespectful of the institution’s constitutional duty.
The commission emphasised that it would engage relevant authorities for appropriate action against individuals making statements aimed at eroding public trust in the electoral process.
“IEBC shall engage the relevant authorities for appropriate action,” the commission wrote.
“It is time political actors stopped hoodwinking the public that the election will be rigged and instead start embracing the steps set out on the country’s preparedness to conduct the 2027 General Election.”
The statement comes after recent controversial remarks by Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula.
Savula suggested that President William Ruto’s administration will have influence on the 2027 General Election due to its role in funding the national budget and facilitating the IEBC.
Poll Rigging Claims Spark Uproar:
The government has distanced itself from explosive remarks made by Ayub Savula and MP Charles Gimose.
The remarks linked State House and IEBC to an alleged 2027 vote-rigging scheme in Western.#NTVWeekendEdition @Karanja_Ibrah @labaanshabaan pic.twitter.com/rUTEQ4EDKn— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) May 24, 2026
Savula, who is coordinating Ruto’s re-election campaign in Western Kenya, later defended his remarks.
He stated that they had been misinterpreted and were meant to express political confidence in the current administration ahead of the next polls.
The remarks, made during a United Democratic Alliance delegates’ meeting in Lugari, also drew criticism after Hamisi MP Charles Gimose allegedly urged party delegates to ensure Ruto wins the election.
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The controversy prompted Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to publicly distance the Kenya Kwanza administration from any suggestion of election interference ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Kisii on May 25 during an inspection of ongoing government projects, Kindiki said Ruto’s administration believes in democracy, the rule of law and free political competition.
The commission clarified that the Electoral Code of Conduct is currently not operational because no election has been officially declared, citing the Supreme Court judgment in the Sabina Chege petition in 2022.
IEBC further noted that there has been no official publication of the 2027 General Election to justify what it described as premature and irresponsible political statements relating to election manipulation and vote rigging.
The commission emphasised that the constitutional mandate to conduct and supervise elections rests solely with IEBC under Article 88 of the Constitution and cannot be exercised by any political actor or institution.
“Stop Uttering Reckless Statements!” – IEBC Says Over 2027 Election Manipulation
