Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has called on the newly formed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to focus its immediate attention on pending by-elections and initiate efforts to restore public confidence in the country’s electoral process.
Ichung’wah made the remarks after a consultative meeting held today, Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Parliament Buildings, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
The session marked one of the first formal interactions between the new electoral commissioners and Parliament, signalling a fresh chapter in Kenya’s electoral oversight.
Taking to his official X account, Ichung’wah emphasised the Commission’s critical role in upholding the democratic foundation of the country.
“The Commission is a cornerstone of the country’s democracy,” he stated
He urged the team to set the stage for a credible, transparent, and inclusive 2027 General Election by first addressing the unresolved by-elections in various regions.
These polls, he said, remain key in shaping public perception about the Commission’s capacity and impartiality.
“Our message was clear: rebuild trust,” Ichung’wah posted.
“Kenyans must feel assured that their vote will count, and the Commission must earn that confidence from the ground up,” he further clarified
The meeting comes weeks after the reconstitution of the IEBC, a process that followed prolonged delays and intense public scrutiny over the selection of new commissioners.
With the new team now in office, expectations are high, especially after the controversies surrounding the 2022 General Election and the subsequent fallout within the previous Commission.
Ichung’wah, who leads the majority side in Parliament, underscored the importance of both institutional independence and accountability.
“This is not just about elections in 2027,” he noted. “It’s about proving to Kenyans that IEBC can act fairly, serve everyone, and make decisions that uphold the will of the people.”
Multiple by-elections are lined up across various counties, covering both ward and constituency positions.
The Commission’s handling of these elections will be a litmus test for its credibility moving forward.
Leaders at the meeting encouraged the IEBC to move swiftly in setting dates, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring that logistical preparedness is prioritised.
Speaker Wetang’ula echoed these sentiments, calling the Commission’s work central to maintaining political stability and citizen trust.
With the 2027 General Election already casting a long shadow, today’s meeting reflected both urgency and cautious optimism.
Ichung’wah’s message captured the mood: the time to act is now, and the IEBC must show, not just say, that it is ready to serve.
As the nation awaits the Commission’s first steps, attention is firmly fixed on how it will handle its fresh mandate and whether it can rise to the challenge of delivering the free, fair, and credible elections that Kenyans rightfully expect.
