The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is facing a credibility test ahead of the 2027 general election, with claims of electoral manipulation resurfacing. Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta recently reignited the debate, stating that he believes Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election. Kenyatta's assertion has been backed by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who claimed that Raila was also denied victory in the 2013 and 2017 elections.
Kalonzo Musyoka, who was Raila's running mate in the 2013 and 2017 elections, has challenged the IEBC to ensure that the 2027 election is free from rigging. He made these remarks in Kitui, reiterating his support for Kenyatta's claims. The IEBC has acknowledged the importance of public confidence in the electoral process and has committed to ensuring that every vote cast is counted, verified, and accurately reflected in the final outcome.
Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has made sensational claims about manipulating the 2013 and 2017 elections in favor of Uhuru Kenyatta. Speaking on Inooro FM, Kuria alleged that he and other political operatives engaged in underhand dealings to secure Kenyatta's victory. Kuria specifically referred to the legal battle over rejected presidential votes in 2013 and alleged that IEBC servers were manipulated to prevent a runoff.
The Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that rejected ballots should not be included when determining whether a presidential candidate had crossed the constitutional threshold. The court ultimately upheld Kenyatta's election, while noting that the electoral process had not been perfect. The claims have drawn reactions from various political leaders, with the UDA rejecting the claims and warning that such statements could undermine confidence in the IEBC.
The opposition has questioned why Uhuru Kenyatta waited almost four years to make his assertion about the 2022 election. ODM leader Oburu Oginga stated that they had exhausted the constitutional avenues available to them after the 2022 election. Meanwhile, government officials have made remarks signaling their readiness to rig the 2027 election, sparking controversy and renewed concerns about political rhetoric around electoral manipulation.
The IEBC is reviewing lessons from previous elections and working to strengthen election technology in preparation for the 2027 poll. The commission has acknowledged that technology must be simple, verifiable, secure, accountable, and transparent. The 2022 election petition examined allegations concerning the integrity and security of the technology used to transmit presidential results, and the court ultimately found that the technology deployed met the required standards.
With less than a year to go until the 2027 election, the IEBC faces a significant challenge in convincing voters and political parties that the poll will be transparent, verifiable, and beyond manipulation. The commission's election operations plan for 2025-27 emphasizes the importance of integrity, transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the electoral process.
Key points
- The IEBC is under pressure to ensure the credibility of the 2027 election following claims of electoral manipulation.
- Several leaders, including Uhuru Kenyatta and Kalonzo Musyoka, have questioned the credibility of past elections.
- The IEBC is reviewing lessons from previous elections and working to strengthen election technology in preparation for the 2027 poll.
