National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has voiced concern over the continued delay in reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning that time is quickly running out to prepare for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by outgoing Acting US Ambassador Mark Dillard, Wetang’ula warned that the country is falling behind on critical electoral milestones, including voter registration and boundary review. “We are running dangerously late in starting preparations for the elections in 2027,” he stated. “We’re late in the review and delimitation of constituencies and wards, and in enlisting millions of young eligible voters who have not yet registered.”
He emphasized that the IEBC must also urgently clean up the voters register to remove deceased voters, noting that legal limitations bar changes to the register within a year of a general election. “Keeping eligible voters out of the voters roll is wrong, and keeping dead people in it is even worse,” Wetang’ula cautioned. “We must act now.”
Despite acknowledging low public confidence in the electoral body, Wetang’ula argued that the commission should be given the space to begin rebuilding public trust through proper preparations. “A good electoral commission can still deliver a credible election, even against many odds,” he said.
The Speaker further explained that the IEBC selection panel had already completed its work, and the nominees had been vetted and approved by Parliament and gazetted. However, they have not been sworn in due to a High Court injunction issued on May 29, which temporarily halted their appointment pending determination of a petition challenging the nomination process.
President William Ruto had nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new IEBC chairperson, alongside commissioners Anne Nderitu, Moses Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor, Francis Odhiambo, and Fahima Abdalla.
Wetang’ula stressed the importance of swiftly resolving the legal hurdles so the new commission can begin its duties. “The clock is ticking. We need a properly trained and operational electoral body now, not later,” he said.
The delay, observers warn, risks compromising the integrity and logistical readiness of the 2027 polls if not urgently addressed.
Written By Rodney Mbua
