The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has reassured the opposition elections will be free, fair and credible amid concerns over insecurity and public confidence in recent by-elections.
The Commission on Thursday held a consultative meeting with leaders of the United Opposition, led by Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, to discuss its readiness to manage key electoral tasks, including by-elections, voter registration, electoral security and the procurement of election materials.
At the meeting, opposition leaders raised concerns over violence and intimidation reported in recent by-elections, warning that insecurity was increasingly threatening the credibility of electoral outcomes and discouraging voter participation.
The leaders urged the Commission to work closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure voters can exercise their democratic rights in an environment free from fear, coercion or undue influence.
“There have been serious concerns about insecurity in recent by-elections,” one of the leaders said. “Unless these issues are addressed decisively, public confidence in the electoral process will continue to erode.”
IEBC chairman Erastus Ethekon welcomed the engagement, describing it as an important step in strengthening trust between the Commission and political actors. He reaffirmed the IEBC’s commitment to operate strictly within the law and to serve all Kenyans impartially, regardless of political affiliation.
“The Commission remains guided by the Constitution and the law in the execution of its mandate,” Mr Ethekon said. “Our duty is to serve all Kenyans fairly and independently, without bias or external influence.”
According to the IEBC, discussions also focused on the Commission’s operational readiness, including preparations for pending and anticipated by-elections, voter registration plans and the procurement of election goods and services.
The meeting also highlighted the broader issue of public trust in Kenya’s electoral process, with leaders stressing that the credibility of elections depends not only on the final results but also on how the process is conducted from start to finish.
In response, the IEBC pledged to undertake structured and regular stakeholder engagements with political parties and other electoral players. The Commission said it would maintain an open-door policy to ensure issues are addressed early and through consultative means.
“The Commission is committed to full transparency, adherence to consultative processes and strict political neutrality,” Mr Ethekon said. “These principles are essential to delivering elections that are free, fair and verifiable.”
The IEBC further noted that it would continue working with relevant institutions to strengthen electoral security and address emerging risks ahead of future polls.
The talks come at a time when the Commission is under increased scrutiny, with political parties and civil society groups calling for improved management of by-elections and clearer communication on electoral preparedness.
