Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chair Erastus Ethekon has announced plans to consult with the Attorney General to clarify what constitutes an early campaign ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, Ethekon said the commission was keen to define campaign timelines and address concerns about premature electioneering.
“In Kenya, every day, every hour feels like an election campaign. When someone goes to a funeral they talk about elections, does that mean it is a campaign?” he posed.
Ethekon said it’s hard to highlight when the election campaign should start because every hour, there is an election campaign in Kenya.
“What IEBC can do is talk with the Attorney General on campaigns and define it, including what the timelines are,” Ethekon said.
“It is an area of concern and a matter we need to keep in mind.”
On the issue of by-elections, Ethekon assured Kenyans that a schedule would be released once internal processes are completed.
“On the issue of timelines for the by-elections, we will be announcing the schedule once the operations committee gives all the information. Then we will communicate the details. Be patient—we will address the timelines,” he stated.
Ethekon also acknowledged the practical challenges facing the commission but assured the public that measures were being taken to resolve them.
“There were some things that we’re out of our control, but we are working round the clock to execute all these activities as those who have been charged with the responsibility to take charge of the elections,” he said.
The IEBC chair reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring a clear framework for political campaigns and a credible election process..
Earlier, Ethekon said the 2027 General Elections will be free and fair, ruling out the possibility of vote stealing.
This comes three days after Tiaty MP William Kamket vowed to do everything in his power to ensure President William Ruto’s re-election, sparking renewed debate over the integrity of the 2027 General Election.
Ethekon dismissed fears of electoral malpractice, terming it ‘impossible.’
“I personally don’t think there will be the stealing of votes. It is impossible!” he said.
“If there are loopholes, please point them out as the media.”
He emphasised the commission’s commitment to streamlining electoral processes ahead of the August 2027 polls.
