Health CS Aden Duale in West Pokot /STEPHEN
ASTARIKOHealth CS Aden Duale has urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to rise above the growing political contestation surrounding its work and concentrate on preparing for a free, fair, transparent and peaceful 2027 General Election.
Speaking in West Pokot County, Duale said the electoral commission carries a responsibility far greater than that of an ordinary state institution, arguing that its performance will have a direct bearing on Kenya’s democratic stability and the credibility of the next election.
Duale called on IEBC commissioners and staff, led by chairperson Erastus Ethekon, to remain focused on their constitutional mandate and resist pressure from politicians.
“We are telling IEBC that it is a very important national institution that has been mandated to conduct free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections. We want the men and women who run the commission to take that responsibility with a lot of weight and seriousness,” Duale said.
“IEBC is not like any other commission. It determines the stability of the nation. It determines the democratic process of our country.”
Duale urged the commissioners to maintain their independence and ensure that every aspect of the electoral preparations is subjected to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
“So, the men and women led by the chairman, Erastus Ethekon, should not listen to the political noise. Focus on the election. Focus on how you will put in place the right infrastructure for a free, fair, transparent and peaceful election,” he said.
Duale's remarks come at a time the electoral commission has found itself at the centre of an increasingly heated political debate, particularly over preparations for the 2027 polls and the procurement of election technology.
Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has in recent months intensified his criticism of IEBC, raising questions over the credibility of its preparations and the independence of its leadership.
The latest dispute centres on the procurement of the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS), which is expected to play a critical role in the management of the 2027 elections.
Gachagua has alleged that the procurement process has been tailored to favour a particular supplier, South Korean firm Miru Systems, and has questioned the suitability of the technology being considered by the commission. He has also expressed support for Smartmatic, the technology company that previously provided electoral technology services in Kenya.
Gachagua has also raised broader concerns over alleged political interference and corruption within the electoral commission, including claims involving its senior officials.
In a detailed response issued on August 27, Ethekon dismissed the claims as false and unsubstantiated, insisting that the commission remained independent and was firmly focused on delivering the 2027 election.
The commission said no company had been awarded the IEMS tender, contrary to claims that the procurement had already been predetermined. It further stated that the tender process had been temporarily halted following requests for review before the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.
The IEBC said the tender documents were published on August 11 and that the technical specifications were generic, performance-based and open to all qualified suppliers. The commission maintained that the procurement was being undertaken in accordance with the Constitution and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015.
Ethekon also challenged Gachagua to provide evidence for allegations that politicians had purchased a house for him in an attempt to influence his decisions. According to the commission, the alleged value of the property had shifted from Sh80 million in earlier claims to Sh200 million.
The chairperson called for any evidence concerning the alleged property transaction to be submitted to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission for investigation.
The commission itself has said it welcomes scrutiny and constructive criticism but warned against allegations that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Ethekon has maintained that IEBC will make its decisions based on the law and established procurement procedures rather than political pressure.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Duale’s intervention comes as IEBC faces growing scrutiny over its preparedness and procurement of election technology ahead of 2027. His call for the commission to ignore political pressure highlights the delicate balance between institutional independence and public accountability. However, the controversy surrounding the IEMS tender shows that transparency will remain critical. With accusations and denials already shaping the political narrative, IEBC’s handling of the process could significantly influence public confidence in the election.
Health CS Aden Duale with Pokot East MP David Pkosing/STEPHEN ASTARIKO
Pokot East MP David Pkosing speaking at the ceremony. /STEPHEN
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