Supreme Court Raises Alarm Over Threats to IEBC and 2027 Election Integrity
Quote from Lawyer on September 10, 2025, 9:13 amThe Supreme Court of Kenya has issued a stern warning to political leaders, cautioning that actions undermining the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) could jeopardize the integrity of the 2027 General Election. The court's remarks come amid growing concerns over political interference and delays in reconstituting the IEBC, which remains non-functional due to ongoing legal and political challenges.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, speaking on behalf of the Judiciary, emphasized the critical role of a fully operational IEBC in ensuring credible elections. She urged leaders to refrain from actions that weaken the commission's independence, stating that such moves threaten the democratic process. The IEBC has been without commissioners since the exit of the previous team, leaving the commission unable to conduct by-elections or prepare adequately for the upcoming national polls.
The court's warning follows a series of events that have raised alarm among stakeholders. Political wrangling over the appointment of new IEBC commissioners has stalled the commission's operations, with disagreements over the selection panel's composition adding to the delays. The Supreme Court noted that the absence of a functional IEBC could erode public confidence in the electoral process, potentially leading to disputes similar to those witnessed in past elections.
Justice Koome highlighted the need for adherence to constitutional timelines, pointing out that delays in reconstituting the IEBC could compromise its ability to conduct voter registration, boundary delimitation, and other critical preparations for 2027. She called for collaboration among political actors, the Judiciary, and other institutions to resolve the impasse and ensure the commission is fully operational.
The Supreme Court also addressed recent public statements by some leaders that appeared to question the IEBC's autonomy. The court described such rhetoric as dangerous, warning that it could incite mistrust and destabilize the electoral environment. The Judiciary reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the IEBC's mandate as outlined in the Constitution.
Civil society organizations and election observers have echoed the court's concerns, urging swift action to reconstitute the IEBC. They argue that a functional commission is essential for transparent and accountable elections, particularly given Kenya's history of contested electoral outcomes. The 2022 General Election, while relatively peaceful, faced legal challenges that underscored the importance of a robust and independent electoral body.
The Supreme Court's statement serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to safeguard Kenya's democracy. As the 2027 polls approach, the court has called on all stakeholders to prioritize national interest over partisan agendas, ensuring that the IEBC is empowered to deliver free, fair, and credible elections.
The Supreme Court of Kenya has issued a stern warning to political leaders, cautioning that actions undermining the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) could jeopardize the integrity of the 2027 General Election. The court's remarks come amid growing concerns over political interference and delays in reconstituting the IEBC, which remains non-functional due to ongoing legal and political challenges.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, speaking on behalf of the Judiciary, emphasized the critical role of a fully operational IEBC in ensuring credible elections. She urged leaders to refrain from actions that weaken the commission's independence, stating that such moves threaten the democratic process. The IEBC has been without commissioners since the exit of the previous team, leaving the commission unable to conduct by-elections or prepare adequately for the upcoming national polls.
The court's warning follows a series of events that have raised alarm among stakeholders. Political wrangling over the appointment of new IEBC commissioners has stalled the commission's operations, with disagreements over the selection panel's composition adding to the delays. The Supreme Court noted that the absence of a functional IEBC could erode public confidence in the electoral process, potentially leading to disputes similar to those witnessed in past elections.
Justice Koome highlighted the need for adherence to constitutional timelines, pointing out that delays in reconstituting the IEBC could compromise its ability to conduct voter registration, boundary delimitation, and other critical preparations for 2027. She called for collaboration among political actors, the Judiciary, and other institutions to resolve the impasse and ensure the commission is fully operational.
The Supreme Court also addressed recent public statements by some leaders that appeared to question the IEBC's autonomy. The court described such rhetoric as dangerous, warning that it could incite mistrust and destabilize the electoral environment. The Judiciary reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the IEBC's mandate as outlined in the Constitution.
Civil society organizations and election observers have echoed the court's concerns, urging swift action to reconstitute the IEBC. They argue that a functional commission is essential for transparent and accountable elections, particularly given Kenya's history of contested electoral outcomes. The 2022 General Election, while relatively peaceful, faced legal challenges that underscored the importance of a robust and independent electoral body.
The Supreme Court's statement serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to safeguard Kenya's democracy. As the 2027 polls approach, the court has called on all stakeholders to prioritize national interest over partisan agendas, ensuring that the IEBC is empowered to deliver free, fair, and credible elections.