Mudavadi defends IEBC , warns opposition against undermining polls

KISUMU, Kenya, Sep 5 — Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged opposition leaders to stop attacking the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), saying the electoral agency’s independence must be respected ahead of the 2027 General Election. Mudavadi accused opposition politicians of seeking to discredit the commission and taint its commissioners in what he said could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and ultimately delegitimise the outcome of the August 2027 election. “Maintaining the integrity and public trust of the IEBC is critical for ensuring stable democratic processes and peaceful transitions of power.

When the opposition attacks the referee, it seems they are not ready to get into the field,” Mudavadi said. He said Kenya should not be drawn into another cycle of political divisions, accusing the opposition of attempting to replicate disputes witnessed during previous elections, particularly under the late IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati. Mudavadi defended the current commission under Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, citing recent by-elections as evidence that it can conduct free, fair and credible polls.

He pointed to the Ol Kalou by-election, where the opposition won the seat, questioning why politicians who praised the IEBC after the poll were now criticising the same commission. “When the opposition won the Ol Kalou seat, they praised the IEBC but a few weeks later they are out discrediting the same commission. This opposition is scared to face President Ruto on the ballot,” he said.

Mudavadi also defended the commission’s authority to deploy its officers, telling political actors not to question administrative decisions concerning where electoral officials are stationed. “Whatever decisions the commission makes are internal and guided by both the Constitution and law,” he said. He said all parts of the country should be treated equally during the electoral process and that voters should be able to exercise their democratic rights without discrimination.

Mudavadi links IEBC criticism to 2027 preparations Mudavadi said some of the criticism directed at the IEBC was linked to preparations for party nominations and compliance with electoral regulations expected ahead of next year’s election. “We have seen politicians attacking the IEBC for the fear of compliance.