- Speaker Wetang’ula says IEBC reforms are running behind schedule
- Warns that failure to act may affect 2027 election readiness
- Blames legal hurdles and delays in swearing in the new IEBC team
- Calls for immediate action to register youth and clean the voter list
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has raised red flags over the prolonged silence around the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). While speaking during a meeting with outgoing U.S. envoy Mark Dillard, Wetang’ula said Kenya is racing against time and falling short on key steps needed to ensure a proper election in 2027.
He noted that the country has not even begun important processes like reviewing electoral boundaries or registering new voters, especially young people. “We’re already late,” he said. “We’ve not adjusted constituency borders, and millions of new voters are still missing from the roll.”
Wetang’ula went on to criticise the current state of the voter register, warning that it still contains names of the deceased while leaving out many eligible youth. He insisted that both errors must be fixed before it is too late, especially since no changes can legally be made to the voter list in the final year before an election.
“Locking out living, eligible Kenyans is wrong. But worse still is keeping the dead on the list,” he stated.
The Speaker clarified that the IEBC selection panel had done its part, and the nominees were approved by Parliament and even gazetted. However, the team has not been sworn in because of a court order issued on May 29, which temporarily halted the appointments.
Those appointed include Erastus Ethekon (Chairperson), and commissioners Anne Nderitu, Moses Mukhwana, Mary Sorobit, Hassan Noor, Francis Odhiambo, and Fahima Abdalla.
Despite public doubt in the electoral body after past elections, Wetang’ula believes the new team—if allowed to start working—can rebuild confidence and ensure fairness. “Even under pressure, a well-prepared commission can still run credible polls,” he said.
The concern is not just political—experts have warned that any further delay may directly affect the logistics and integrity of the 2027 General Election. Wetang’ula says the legal matters must be cleared urgently so the IEBC can hit the ground running.
“We don’t have the luxury of time. The work must begin immediately,” the Speaker said.
