Why IEBC faces litmus test in by-elections

The upcoming by-elections scheduled across several parts of the country will serve as a crucial credibility test for the newly appointed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei has said.

Speaking during a local television interview on Thursday, the Sigei said the by-elections will offer the first real opportunity for the commission to prove its impartiality and operational capacity amid criticism from the opposition and lingering public mistrust in electoral institutions.

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“Now that we have a commission, their primary task is to restore public confidence. Kenyans have gone through a lot, including demonstrations and mistrust of institutions,” Sigei said.

“This commission must rise above past shortcomings and deliver credible polls.”

The IEBC, chaired by Erastus Edung Ethekon, was recently sworn in after months of political deadlock and legal hurdles, including court petitions challenging the appointment process.

The team, which includes Ann Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan, Francis Odhiambo Aduol and Fahima Araphat Abdallah, have already drawn criticism from opposition figures who allege that its composition favours the executive.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka had earlier attempted to initiate talks with President William Ruto regarding the formation of the new IEBC, but the talks did not materialise.

In the absence of a consensus, the appointments were made amid opposition warnings and accusations of unilateralism.

Sigei acknowledged the controversies surrounding the appointment process but maintained that the team now has an opportunity to shift public perception through action.

“What matters now is how they carry out their duties,” he said.

“Their major assignment is to conduct the upcoming by-elections in a more transparent and verifiable manner, which will build up to the 2027 elections.”

By-elections are expected in areas such as Ugunja in Siaya, Kasipul in Homa Bay, Baringo County and Mbeere North in Embu.

These contests are anticipated to spark fierce competition, with the performance of the IEBC under close public and political scrutiny.

Concerns have also resurfaced over past election irregularities, including allegations of rigging and the opaque handling of results transmission, issues that undermined public trust in previous commissions.

“The truth is that Kenyans do not trust even their own leaders, and much of that is rooted in how elections have been handled in the past,” Sigei noted.

“The IEBC must now be deliberate in engaging the public, sensitising citizens about their roles, and making the process participatory and transparent.”

Senator Sigei revealed that financial and legal hurdles are among the immediate challenges facing the new commission.

Furthermore, the commission is grappling with a pending bill portfolio of over Sh3.3 billion, including unpaid dues from the 2022 General Election.

“They need to upgrade election technology, clean and audit the voter register and settle debts from the previous electoral cycle,” Sigei said.

“Without adequate resources, their operations will be limited.”

He added that several court pronouncements following the 2022 elections require legislative amendments to align with constitutional guidelines; a process Parliament is prepared to support.

“A number of matters were litigated during and after the last election. Courts gave guidance. It’s now up to us in Parliament to amend those laws accordingly and we have committed to working with the IEBC on this,” he said.

Sigei stressed that the success or failure of the by-elections will shape public expectations heading into the 2027 General Election.

“These by-elections are the first step. If the IEBC fails now, it will be hard to convince Kenyans to trust the process in 2027,” he warned.

As the commission settles into office, political observers are watching closely to see whether the Ethekon-led team can navigate the delicate task of electoral management without further deepening partisan divisions.