Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has cautioned political leaders against intimidating, blackmailing, or interfering with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning that attempts to undermine the poll agency threaten the integrity of Kenya’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interdenominational church service at Kipsamoo Primary School grounds in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu County, Kindiki called on politicians—particularly within the opposition—to respect the independence of constitutional institutions and focus on marketing their policy agendas to the electorate.
“IEBC does not vote. Look for a manifesto and sell it to Kenyans who will make a decision. In 2022, if IEBC hadn’t stood firm, politicians would have interfered with its work and plunged the country into chaos.”
Kindiki stated that the Kenya Kwanza administration expects the IEBC to operate without bias, fear, or political interference, emphasizing that the government does not seek favors from the electoral body.
The Deputy President accused opposition leaders of leveling pre-election claims against the poll body because they anticipate defeat at the ballot.
Kindiki issued a severe warning against leaders using youth groups or organized “goons” to stir up political violence, promising that security agencies will deal decisively with inciters.
The Deputy President’s remarks follow intensified political debate surrounding IEBC’s operational preparedness and procurement processes, including recent allegations from opposition figures concerning the commission’s election technology tenders. The IEBC has since dismissed those claims, maintaining that all procurement procedures are transparent and compliant with the law.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who attended the same event, echoed Kindiki’s sentiments, urging political actors not to play the dual roles of candidate and referee.
