Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chair Erastus Ethekon has stated that stealing an election in Kenya is impossible.
Speaking at the IEBC Stakeholder Engagement Forum on Monday, December 8, 2025, Ethekon observed that electoral officials, observers, and media scrutiny make manipulation virtually impossible. He reflected on the November 27 by-elections, urging politicians to focus on legitimate campaigns instead of attempting desperate tactics for unfair victories.
“It is high time politicians learned that to steal elections in this country is an impossibility. The returning officer observes, and the media can tell you it is impossible. Where will you get the chance to put in your votes before all the observers and the media present?” he said.
The IEBC chair also cautioned against undue influence or intimidation of electoral officials, citing instances witnessed during the recent polls.
“If you know you have done your campaign well and you’re confident, why do you want to threaten our officials and returning officers? That is seeking to secure an illegitimate victory,” Ethekon stated.
His remarks followed the commission’s defense of its performance during the November by-elections, asserting that all necessary measures were taken to ensure a credible and transparent process.
Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana rated the commission’s execution at 95 per cent, highlighting that the elections adhered to core principles of secrecy, transparency, and fairness.
“As the IEBC, we did 95 per cent. Our assessment must be based on what the constitution dictates; an election must be contemplated. It says the by-election must be free; that is, citizens must be able to walk into a polling station unhindered and without undue influence and cast their votes,” Mukhwana explained.
The IEBC emphasized that remaining challenges, accounting for the 5 per cent gap, fall under the responsibility of state agencies, reinforcing that the commission itself maintained strict integrity throughout the electoral process.
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