IEBC is under no one’s control

The IEBC chairman, Erastus Ethekon Edung, has said that nobody will have the ability to order the commission to do what is illegal and unlawful, including forcing a losing candidate to win in the upcoming 2027 poll.

Speaking during an engagement with the media on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Edung insisted that the electoral body’s independence is fully guaranteed by the Constitution and cannot be compromised by political influence

IEBC independence

“We deal with numbers, not perceptions. We deal with actual numbers, people who turned out and voted. In regard to receiving certain orders, we do not take any orders that are not lawful or legal.

‘We are an independent commission, and our independence is guaranteed by the Constitution under Article 247,” Edung said.

He emphasised that no political figure, regardless of rank, can compel the commission to make decisions that contradict the law.

“Nobody can order the IEBC to do what is contrary to the law, and we are not under someone’s control apart from the Constitution,” he stated.

Recent political remarks

His comments come after recent statements by politicians allied to President William Ruto, such as Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Tiaty MP William Kamket, which sparked debate over electoral integrity.

In a past rally, Kamket said, “Sometimes, MP Sudi and I are harsh, and I always hear him say that we are going to add votes, and I’m also saying the same thing. If the votes are not enough, we will ensure that they are enough, whatever comes may.”

The remarks were widely interpreted as political banter by their allies but drew concern among critics, who argued that they risk undermining public trust in the electoral process ahead of 2027.

Commitment to transparency

Edung maintained that the IEBC will conduct the 2027 elections strictly in line with constitutional provisions, with full transparency in tallying and declaration of results.

He called on political leaders to make responsible statements that strengthen rather than weaken public faith in democratic institutions, noting that the commission will “deal with numbers, not emotions” in the execution of its mandate.