JB Muturi demands IEBC clarity on boundary delimitation ahead of 2027 election

Speaking in Kitui, Muturi urged the IEBC to seek an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court within 30 days to resolve outstanding questions surrounding the delimitation exercise before Kenyans go to the polls.

He said a clear judicial interpretation ahead of the election would help prevent the matter from becoming the subject of post-election litigation, potentially providing grounds for challenges to the electoral process, including the presidential results.

Muturi said boundary delimitation is not merely an administrative exercise but a constitutional requirement with significant implications for political representation, electoral integrity and the legitimacy of the 2027 election.

He also accused President William Ruto's Broad-Based Government of creating bureaucratic and administrative obstacles that are slowing the implementation of critical electoral reforms.

Muturi alleged that the administration was using government processes to delay reforms because of what he described as its declining political fortunes.

He linked the current debate to the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) process, which was established following prolonged political tensions and was tasked with addressing a range of issues relating to electoral governance, representation and institutional reforms.

According to Muturi, the political unrest that preceded the NADCO process resulted in the deaths of nearly 100 people, and the sacrifices made during that period should not be undermined by delays in implementing agreed reforms.

He said one of the key issues was the establishment of a properly constituted and independent electoral commission capable of discharging its constitutional responsibilities, including the delimitation of electoral boundaries.

Muturi is now demanding that the IEBC publicly disclose the status of the delimitation exercise, provide clear timelines for its completion and demonstrate its preparedness to conduct the process in accordance with the Constitution and electoral laws.

He further called on the Supreme Court to issue an advisory opinion before the election to resolve any constitutional uncertainty surrounding the exercise.

Muturi warned that leaving the boundary question unresolved until after the 2027 polls could expose the election to legal challenges, particularly if disputes over the delimitation process are subsequently linked to the presidential contest.

He said Kenya should not enter the 2027 election with unresolved constitutional questions that could later form the basis of post-election litigation.

Muturi also called on the Broad-Based Government to demonstrate political goodwill by removing bureaucratic obstacles to electoral reforms and allowing the IEBC to discharge its mandate without interference.

He maintained that resolving the boundary delimitation question before the election is critical to safeguarding the credibility of the electoral process and avoiding preventable disputes over the outcome of the 2027 General Election.