Erastus Ethekon Vows to Ensure No Rigging in 2027, Asks for Help to Seal Loopholes: “Impossible”
- IEBC Chair Erastus Ethekon has vowed there will be no rigging in 2027, calling electoral theft almost impossible
- He warned politicians not to expect favours from the commission, stressing it will operate strictly within the constitution
- Amid early campaign fears, Ethekon explained what the commission is doing to legally define what counts as a campaign
- He urged Kenyans and the media to help identify loopholes, insisting that transparency is key to delivering credible polls
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Erastus Ethekon has vowed to deliver a credible 2027 General Election.
Source: Twitter
Ethekon declared that rigging and other electoral malpractices would not happen under his watch.
Speaking during a Wednesday, August 6, breakfast meeting with media stakeholders, Ethekon said the commission would not take instructions from any political figure.
Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)
The IEBC boss stated that the newly formed team would strictly adhere to and operate within the confines of the Kenyan Constitution.
Ethekon declared rigging an impossibility as he appealed to Kenyans to point out loopholes in the system that may be used to rig polls.
"Going forward to 2027, I personally don’t think there will be stealing of votes. It is almost impossible, and the possibility of impossibility. But if there are loopholes, point them out to us so that we can seal those loopholes. There will be no ghost polling stations," he said.
His remarks come amid rising political tension triggered by statements from MPs allied to President William Ruto, who have declared that the head of state must be re-elected.
The controversial remarks have raised fears of possible electoral interference, with critics warning that the country is headed into an election mode three years too early.
How is the media crucial in Kenya's elections?
Despite growing pressure, Ethekon maintained that the IEBC will not bow to political threats or demands.
He pointed to a legal framework and oversight mechanisms that make it nearly impossible for any meaningful manipulation of election results to go unnoticed.
"Our elections are highly regulated by law at every step. We have a vibrant media to check. We have said: check every step. That is the best way we can do," he stated.
The IEBC chair also acknowledged the growing concerns over early campaigns, which he described as a legal grey area.
Source: Facebook
He revealed that the commission is in talks with Attorney General Dorcas Oduor to create new legislation that clearly defines what constitutes a campaign and when it should officially begin.
“In Kenya, every day, every hour feels like an election campaign. When someone goes to a funeral, they talk about elections, does that mean it is a campaign?What IEBC can do is talk with the Attorney General on campaigns and define it, including what the timelines are. It is an area of concern and a matter we need to keep in mind," he added.
How is IEBC preparing for the by-elections?
As earlier reported, IEBC kicked off accreditation for organisations to serve as voter education providers, election observers, and media practitioners ahead of the 2025/2026 by‑elections.
Applicants must apply online via the IEBC Accreditation Management System (AMS) before the deadline on September 5, 2025, at 5 pm, and ensure they have a stable internet connection.
Voter education applicants must secure and upload a physical address authentication form from their county election manager’s office.
Those accredited will receive training, accreditation certificates, ID badges, and support materials before assuming their roles.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
