IEBC rejects Gachagua's claims, defends 2027 polls preparations

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has responded to allegations raised by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua regarding preparations for the 2027 general elections. In a statement issued on Thursday, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon categorically dismissed claims of political interference, corruption and voter suppression, calling them false and unsubstantiated. The allegations came after Gachagua made remarks during a press briefing on Wednesday, accusing the commission of allowing undue influence and compromising the integrity of the electoral process. Gachagua’s claims included accusations that politicians had purchased a house for the IEBC chairperson to sway his decisions, with the value of the property reportedly increasing from Sh80 million to Sh200 million. In response, Ethekon described these allegations as “unfortunate, unfair and unsubstantiated.” He urged Gachagua to provide supporting evidence, such as the property’s location, sale and transfer documents, payment receipts and details of the parties involved, and submit them to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission for investigation. The commission also refuted claims of improper staff changes, stating that employee deployment and redeployment were routine administrative actions governed by internal HR policies and public service regulations. It emphasized that the process adhered to legal frameworks and was not indicative of any irregularities. Regarding the recent Magarini by-election, IEBC affirmed that the poll was conducted freely, fairly and credibly, with no election petition filed challenging its outcome. The commission noted its successful management of multiple by-elections and expressed readiness to oversee the 2027 general election. In addition, IEBC defended its procurement procedures for election technology and ballot materials, asserting compliance with constitutional provisions and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015. Two major tenders, those for the integrated elections management system and ballot papers, were temporarily paused following a review request submitted to the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board. According to IEBC, the tender documents were uploaded online on August 11, 2026, and the specifications were designed to be generic and performance-based, ensuring openness to all eligible suppliers. As of now, no vendor has been selected for either tender. The commission also addressed concerns about the security of voter registration data, reaffirming that the Register of Voters remains under its sole control. It outlined the multi-stage process of voter registration, which includes in-person enrollment, identity verification, biometric and biographical data collection, data transmission to a central database, and automated biometric deduplication. Flagged records undergo thorough data cleaning, validation and adjudication before being officially added to the register. A 30-day biometric verification phase is planned to ensure accuracy and reliability. The ongoing dispute highlights the complexities of managing large-scale elections while maintaining transparency and public trust. While Gachagua’s claims remain unproven, the IEBC’s detailed rebuttals underscore its commitment to upholding electoral standards and legal protocols. As the 2027 general election approaches, the commission continues to emphasize its adherence to established procedures and its dedication to conducting a transparent and credible electoral process.