EDITORIAL: New IEBC team must regain and retain voter confidence

The latest wrangles, culminating in the ouster of the IEBC chief executive officer, could not have come at a worse time.

Rather than focusing on its core constitutional mandate—voter registration, boundary reviews and institutional reforms—the commission appears consumed by internal power struggles. Such infighting sends the wrong signal to the public and reinforces perceptions of an institution distracted from its primary responsibilities.

This period should have marked a turning point. With a new team in place, the emphasis ought to be on rebuilding trust, strengthening systems and reassuring Kenyans that future elections will be free, fair and transparent. Instead, leadership disputes risk undermining even well-intentioned reforms before they take root.

Voter confidence is not restored through rhetoric but through consistent, credible action. The IEBC must demonstrate unity of purpose, professionalism and independence from political influence. Equally, political actors must resist the temptation to interfere with or weaponise the commission for short-term gain.

Kenya’s democracy depends on a trusted electoral referee. Unless the IEBC urgently steadies itself and refocuses on its mandate, the shadow of doubt will continue to loom over every election, weakening public faith in the ballot and the institutions meant to protect it.