Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has assured Kenyans that the government will not interfere with the 2027 General Election, insisting that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will be allowed to conduct the polls independently.
Ruku said the government would provide the electoral commission with the financial and logistical support required to prepare for the election while allowing voters to freely choose their preferred leaders.
The Cabinet Secretary made the remarks in Embu County on Sunday, August 30, 2026, in a statement shared on his Facebook account. He said the administration of President William Ruto respects both the constitutional mandate of the IEBC and the Constitution of Kenya.
“The Administration of President William Ruto respects the mandate of the IEBC and the supreme Kenyan constitution and has no intention whatsoever in interfering with the upcoming 2027 General Elections,” Ruku said.
The IEBC is constitutionally responsible for conducting and supervising elections and referenda in Kenya. The commission has set August 10, 2027, as the date for the next General Election.
Ruku Backs IEBC
Ruku defended the electoral commission’s ability to undertake its constitutional responsibilities, saying its performance in previous electoral exercises demonstrated that it should be given room to operate without political interference.
He cited the IEBC’s handling of the recent electoral exercise in Ol Kalou as an example of what he considered satisfactory performance.
“IEBC ilifanya kazi safi pale Ol Kalou,” Ruku said.
The Cabinet Secretary also indicated that the government would not object to whoever is eventually appointed to lead the electoral commission, provided the IEBC delivers a free and credible election.
“Kwa hiyo Kalonzo Musyoka, ata ukileta kijana yake akuwe chairman wa IEBC, we have no problem. Rigathi Gachagua ata ukileta …ama kijana akuwe chairman wa IEBC, we have no problem,” he said.
According to Ruku, the main concern should be whether the commission will conduct a fair and transparent election in 2027 rather than who occupies its leadership.
“Lakini IEBC itafanya uchaguzi wa haki na ukweli 2027,” he said.
Ruku further assured the commission that the government would provide the resources necessary for election preparations, including the required budgetary support.
“Government of Kenya has no intentions whatsoever to interfear with the general election 2027. Tunajua IEBC iko tayari. Serikali itatoa all the necessary support, wabunge watapatiana budget ile inatakikana,” he said.
His remarks come amid heightened political activity as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election, with government officials increasingly calling for the electoral commission to be allowed to perform its constitutional duties without political interference.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also warned politicians against interfering with the IEBC’s work, accusing some leaders of attempting to simultaneously position themselves as election candidates, contractors and referees.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has similarly urged opposition leaders to concentrate on persuading voters through policies and manifestos instead of making the electoral commission the focus of their political campaigns.
“IEBC haipigi kura. Kura inapigwa na wananchi,” Kindiki said during a church service in Uasin Gishu County.
