The 2027 election will test the IEBC’s ability to earn the confidence of Kenyans, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has warned, putting Chairman Erastus Ethekon under pressure to protect the commission from political influence.
Gachagua said the electoral body must convince voters that it is capable of handling the next General Election independently, amid concerns over its image and the trust placed in it.
Speaking on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said he had personally raised the matter with Ethekon and cautioned him about the importance of maintaining public confidence in the commission.
“Kenyans, you’ll bear witness that I have spoken to the IEBC chairman Mr. Erastus Ethicon,” Gachagua said.
He said his decision to engage the IEBC chair was informed by concerns that have surrounded the commission for years, particularly questions about whether it can conduct elections without political interference.
“In my capacity as a leader in this country, and as a responsible citizen, on several electoral matters, I have advising him that IBC has had image and trust issues. And the people of Kenya for a long time know that,” he said.
Gachagua said Ethekon needed to understand the weight of his position and the effect decisions made by the electoral commission could have on the country.
He referred to the 2007 General Election and the events that followed it, saying the experience should remain a warning to those entrusted with managing elections.
“I have taken the trouble further and reminded him of the 2007/2008 inactions and actions of the then ECK (Electoral Commission of Kenya) and the resultant chaos and mayhem in the country,” he said.
The former Deputy President said Kenya should not again find itself in a situation where questions over an election result trigger widespread mistrust and tension.
He also questioned the circumstances under which Ethekon became IEBC chairman, claiming that the chair was aware of the controversy surrounding his appointment and alleged political allegiance.
“Ethekon knows how controversial his appointment was and to whom he pays his allegiance,” he said.
Gachagua challenged the IEBC boss to demonstrate that his decisions will be guided by the interests of voters rather than those of politicians or the government of the day.
He said Ethekon’s conduct will help determine whether Kenyans believe the commission is prepared to oversee a credible electoral process.
“Ethekon has a choice to make, stand with Kenyans, the 55 million of them, or choose to burn this country,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua's comments come as political leaders turn their attention to the role of the IEBC ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the independence of the commission expected to remain a major issue.
He said the credibility of the electoral body will depend on whether it can assure Kenyans that their votes will be handled fairly and that the commission will remain independent throughout the electoral process.