The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has condemned recent political statements alleging election malpractices, calling them reckless, misleading, and harmful to Kenya's democratic process.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commission warned that such statements made outside of an official election period risk inciting unnecessary public anxiety and undermining trust in electoral institutions.

“These claims are not only unfounded but also dangerous in a democratic society such as ours,” the IEBC said. “We urge all Kenyans to disassociate themselves from such statements and focus on strengthening, not weakening, our democracy.”

The Commission clarified that it has not announced any elections and that the country is not currently in a campaign period. As such, it stated, there is no legal or constitutional basis for election-related propaganda or politically charged rhetoric.

While the IEBC has the authority to form an Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee under Article 84 of the Constitution and Section 110 of the Elections Act, it has stated that this committee is only operational during an official election period.

According to the Sunday statement, the position is consistent with a 2022 Supreme Court decision issued in the Sabina Chege petition (E026 of 2022), which outlined the limitations of the Commission's enforcement powers outside of a declared election period.

The Commission affirmed its readiness to engage with political leaders and stakeholders in efforts to rebuild public confidence in Kenya’s electoral system now that it is fully constituted. 

“We call on all actors, particularly those in the political space, to refrain from issuing statements or taking actions that erode trust in our electoral processes,” the Commission said. “Let us work together to foster transparency, accountability, and stability.”

The IEBC further assured the public of its unwavering independence and impartiality in discharging its constitutional mandate. It reiterated its commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible elections guided by the law and global best practices.

“The Commission remains resolute in its mission to safeguard Kenya’s democracy. We urge all citizens to rely on verified information and official channels for any updates concerning electoral matters,” the statement concluded.