'Reform IEBC before 2027 or resign!' Election observers say after by-election chaos

With less than two years to the 2027 presidential election, observers and rights groups say the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has already failed the test of independence and cannot be trusted to run a credible poll without urgent and far-reaching reforms.

They accuse the commission of bowing to the ruling regime and failing to deliver independent, free and fair by-elections, citing widespread voter bribery and chaos during recent by-elections.

They referred to the chaotic Malava and Mbeere North by-elections, arguing the commission’s inaction proves it is compromised and unwilling to enforce the law.

“The conduct of the IEBC during the by-elections was disgraceful — open corruption, chaos, even killings — yet they declared them free and fair. Free and fair? My foot," said Prof PLO Lumumba.

The groups insist the IEBC leadership must either prove its independence now or step aside before the 2027 election.

“Once appointed, IEBC officials are protected by law and must serve the interests of Kenyans. If they cannot do so, they should resign immediately," Chapter IV executive director, Njeri Kabeberi, stated.

Attention is also turning to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, accused of being ineffective as hate speech rises and politicians openly divide the country along ethnic lines.

“Politicians are openly dividing Kenyans on tribal lines. We have reduced the nation to slogans of one term, two terms. We can’t be like Singapore. Singapore became Singapore because they gave meaning to the ballot box and democracy, not tribalism," Lumumba noted.

The groups warn that without swift action, the 2027 presidential election risks descending into violence and chaos, mirroring troubled polls elsewhere in the region.