Kenya’s electoral body has condemned recent remarks by Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Abdi Jehow suggesting a plot to rig the 2027 general election in favor of President William Ruto.
In a statement released July 13, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) denounced what it described as “reckless and unacceptable” political utterances that undermine Kenya’s democratic principles.
Jehow, while speaking at a recent event in Wajir, appeared to imply that even without sufficient votes in the North Eastern region, supporters would ensure Ruto’s re-election by “any means necessary.”
“As MPs from North Eastern, as I speak from Wajir, we don’t talk much. When it comes to the president, we say, ‘two-term.’ We’re just waiting for the ballot. Even if we don’t have votes, we’ll steal for him… that’s no secret,” Jehow said.
The statement quickly sparked national concern, prompting the IEBC to respond.
IEBC Response to Election Malpractices
“The Commission is concerned about statements on election malpractices in the country. Such utterances are unacceptable and reckless in a democratic society such as ours,” the IEBC said in the statement.
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It urged Kenyans to ignore or disassociate themselves from such comments.
The commission stated that no elections have been declared, and therefore, campaign-related political rhetoric is premature.
It also clarified that its Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee only has jurisdiction during the election period, which has not yet been triggered.
“Further, there is no gazettement or declaration that has been made to warrant such desirous political utterances and propaganda. The country is not on a campaign period at the moment,” the statement read.
IEBC to Kenyan Voters
The IEBC, which was recently reconstituted after a prolonged vacancy, assured Kenyans of its commitment to fair and transparent elections.
“The Commission urges all stakeholders, particularly those in the political arena, to refrain from acts including speeches likely to erode trust and confidence in our electoral processes,” it said.
The agency added that it would soon begin engagement with political parties and leaders to foster transparency and rebuild public trust ahead of the 2027 elections.
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IEBC New Commissioners
President William Ruto reappointed the new Chairperson and six Commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following the High Court’s nullification of his previous gazette notice.
In a gazette notice No. 9269, dated July 10, Ruto appointed Erastus Edung Ethekon as the IEBC chairman for six years.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 250 (2) as read with section 5 (2) of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Act and Paragraph 4 of the First Schedule to the Act, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint Erastus Edung Ethekon to be the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission,” the notice reads.
The head of state also appointed six others: Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol, and Fahima Araphat Abdallah as commissioners, each to serve for a six-year term.
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