By Faith Nyabuto
A cross-section of leaders have expressed optimism that the newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will deliver credible results.
Speaking on Monday, advocate Steve Ogolla noted that public confidence hinges on how the commission communicates its actions and decisions.
Also Read
He cautioned against prolonged legal battles over the composition and interviews of commissioners.
“We should trust them to do the right thing and ensure their decisions and timelines are communicated with public input,” Ogolla stated.
“They must be steadfast and focused on their mandate to deliver.”
Ogolla also encouraged the IEBC to begin preparations for the 2027 general election, giving priority to parliamentary and Member of County Assembly (MCA) by-elections.
The commission’s mandate is expected to centre on three pillars: people, the law, and technology.
During the swearing-in ceremony held at the Supreme Court, the new officials pledged to uphold the voice of the electorate and ensure it counts.
They committed to working collectively towards peaceful, credible, transparent, and accountable electoral processes.
In a separate press briefing, University of Nairobi’s Prof Collins Odote urged the commissioners to be outward-facing and engage the public.
He condemned closed-door meetings with political leaders, arguing that such interactions often favour partisanship over objectivity.
Several other leaders called on the commission to maintain independence and minimize political influence, stressing that reliance on politicians could compromise public perception.
They further highlighted the importance of distinguishing the commission’s policy mandate from the administrative mandate of the secretariat.
Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara emphasised the need to safeguard constituency alignment and complete electoral law reforms at least two years before the next general election.
He also advocated for expanded voter registration, enhanced voter education, and the introduction of electoral technology and amendment bills.
“IEBC must handle boundary delimitation and voter registration decisively, and its officials should act without fear, favour, or bias,” Murugara said.
