The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has strongly condemned recent remarks on election rigging made by leaders, calling them reckless.
This after viral remarks by Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow, who openly suggested that leaders from the North Eastern region would “steal votes” for President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
In a firm statement issued Monday, the Commission described such utterances as “unacceptable and reckless in a democratic society”, warning that such comments risk eroding public trust in Kenya’s electoral system.
“The Commission is concerned about statements on election malpractices in the country. IEBC urges all Kenyans to ignore or disassociate with them,” the statement read.
Jehow made the controversial remarks during a rally in Wajir, stating in Swahili: “Hata kama hatuna kura, tutamuibia. Hiyo si siri (Even if we don’t have the votes, we’ll steal them for him. That’s no secret).”
The comments have since drawn widespread public outrage and calls for her arrest from civil society groups and opposition politicians.
While confirming that it would constitute the Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee in line with Article 84 of the Constitution and Section 110 of the Elections Act, the IEBC clarified that such a committee only has jurisdiction during the election period—which has not yet been declared.
“There is no gazettement or declaration that has been made to warrant such desirous political utterances and propaganda,” the Commission added.
Now fully reconstituted under Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, the IEBC says it will soon begin stakeholder engagement with political leaders and parties to restore confidence in Kenya’s electoral processes.
The Commission urged political players to refrain from actions or speeches that undermine electoral credibility, and instead collaborate to safeguard Kenya’s democracy.
“The IEBC remains steadfast in its constitutional mandate to ensure free, fair and credible elections in accordance with the laws of Kenya and best practices.”
