Wetang’ula tells opposition to keep off IEBC as 2027 election race heats up

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged opposition leaders to give the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) space to prepare for the 2027 General Election, warning against political interference with the electoral referee.

Wetang’ula made the remarks in Narok as political parties increasingly turn their attention to the next presidential election and questions over the credibility of the electoral process take centre stage.

Speaking at Olasiti AIC Church in Kekonyokie Ward, Narok East Constituency, the Speaker also criticised what he described as abusive attacks against the electoral body.

He argued that political actors should allow the commission to carry out its constitutional mandate without trying to dictate how it conducts elections.

His comments come as the reconstituted IEBC steps up preparations for the August 2027 polls. The commission became fully operational in July 2025 after a prolonged vacancy in its top leadership and has since been conducting by-elections and planning for the national vote.

Wetang’ula pointed to recent by-elections as evidence that the commission is capable of managing competitive polls.

However, the record has also attracted scrutiny. The July 2026 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, for example, was won by Democracy for Citizens Party candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho with 35,440 votes against UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyaga, who received 5,450.

The debate over the IEBC has intensified after opposition figures raised concerns about election technology and procurement ahead of 2027. The commission has rejected claims that its procurement process was designed to favour a particular company, saying the process remains open and transparent.

Wetang’ula backs Ruto for second term

Wetang’ula also used the Narok gathering to defend President William Ruto’s record, arguing that the administration needs more time to complete its development programmes.

He cited government investment in agriculture and plans for an airport in Narok among projects he said could have a significant impact on the region's economy.

The Speaker urged voters to give Ruto another term to consolidate his administration's agenda.

His remarks come as political alignments begin taking clearer shape ahead of 2027, with both government allies and opposition parties seeking to expand their influence beyond traditional strongholds.

Call for local jobs

Narok East MP Aramat, who hosted the event, meanwhile raised a separate concern over employment opportunities linked to the Standard Gauge Railway project.

He called on officials involved in recruitment to give local residents priority when jobs become available.

The MP warned that continued exclusion of local communities could fuel frustration and force residents to seek other ways of pressing their demands.

For IEBC, the political pressure is likely to grow as the election approaches.

The commission has already published its strategic and election operations plans and is working towards the 10 August 2027 General Election. It has also reported progress in voter registration and preparations for election logistics.

The central question now is not simply whether politicians will criticise the IEBC. It is whether the commission can maintain public confidence while facing scrutiny from both government and opposition camps.

With the 2027 contest already taking shape, the independence of Kenya's electoral referee is set to remain one of the biggest political issues on the road to the polls.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.