The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set May 29, 2027 as the earliest date for presidential candidates to officially begin campaigns for the 2027 General Election, amid growing political activity across the country.
According to the commission’s election timetable, the official campaign period will run from the registration of candidates, but not before May 29, until August 7, 2027, 48 hours before Election Day.
IEBC has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against conducting campaigns outside the prescribed period, including through posters, billboards, motorcades and other forms of political mobilization.
The warning comes as potential presidential candidates and political groups continue touring the country, holding rallies, mobilizing supporters and building grassroots networks well ahead of the official campaign period.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his nationwide mobilization, promoting his Democratic Congress Party while advocating for a united opposition presidential ticket against President William Ruto. He has recently toured Kajiado and the Mt Kenya region, insisting that opposition parties must unite behind one candidate.
The Linda Mwananchi movement, associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other opposition leaders, has also expanded its grassroots activities from Western Kenya to Nyanza, with meetings held in Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Kakamega and Homa Bay. However, a meeting in Homa Bay on August 16 was marred by violence that reportedly left four people dead and several others injured.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has also signaled his intention to contest the presidency on a Jubilee Party ticket and has stepped up activities outside Nairobi to build a national support base.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is similarly intensifying his 2027 presidential campaign under the “Komboa Kenya” slogan, seeking to expand his political influence beyond his traditional strongholds through activities in areas including Embu and the Coast.
President William Ruto has also increased his engagements with various groups as he seeks re-election. He has held meetings with village elders, religious leaders and other interest groups, while allies continue to mobilize support for his second term.
Under the IEBC timetable, presidential aspirants must submit by May 24, 2027, a list of at least 2,000 registered voters from more than half of Kenya’s counties, complete with their names, signatures and identification or passport numbers.
Registration of presidential candidates will take place between May 29 and June 11, 2027, while disputes arising from the nomination process must be filed within 24 hours and no later than June 12. IEBC expects all such disputes to be resolved by June 23, 2027.
With political activity already intensifying, IEBC’s warning is expected to put presidential hopefuls and political parties under greater scrutiny as the country moves towards the 2027 General Election.
