IEBC faces credibility test in mini-polls

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) faces a rehearsal of a make-or-break task tomorrow (Thursday) as it strives to deliver credible by-elections and restore confidence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The political wave building in the country leaves little doubt that 2027 will be a high-stakes national exercise that, if mishandled, could threaten the nation’s stability.

Analysts say the by-elections in 24 electoral areas serve as a litmus test for the country’s electoral preparedness, credibility of the reconstituted commission and the realignment of the political forces.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon (right) Vice-Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah (centre) and commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan before the Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi on September 25, 2025. Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group

The IEBC currently comprises Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, Deputy Chairperson Fahima Araphat Abdallah, and Commissioners Anne Njeri Nderitu, Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Mary Karen Sorobit, Hassan Noor Hassan and Francis Odhiambo Aduol, who came into office in July.

Already, politicians are issuing both cautionary and reckless statements about 2027 warning the IEBC that no “monkey business” will be tolerated.

Although delivering cre