Kenya's Electoral Crisis: IEBC Paralysis Threatens 2027 General Elections

Kenya is on the brink of an electoral crisis as the nation heads toward the 2027 general elections.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) currently faces major operational challenges due to the absence of commissioners, raising concerns about delays in critical electoral processes. These delays include voter registration and the procurement of essential systems and materials, all of which threaten the integrity of the upcoming elections. IEBC Chief Executive Hussein Marjan has noted the severity of the constitutional crisis, stating that the commission is unable to supervise elections, delineate constituencies, or facilitate continuous voter registration in the absence of commissioners.

This situation is particularly concerning for young Kenyans who are receiving their national identification cards for the first time yet remain unable to register to vote due to these administrative hold-ups. Since January 2023, the IEBC has been operating without any commissioners following the expiration of the terms of Chairman Wafula Chebukati and Commissioners Boya Molu and Abdi Guliye. The remaining group of commissioners, referred to as the Cherera 4, either resigned or were dismissed after the 2022 presidential election. Attempts to reconstitute the commission have been stalled by a court case contesting the structure of the Selection Panel responsible for appointing new members.

Former IEBC commissioner Thomas Letangule has termed the situation a "time bomb," warning that the absence of commissioners could jeopardize critical timelines and hinder financing for election preparations. He stresses the need for ongoing preparations, emphasizing that these activities require the sanction of commissioners to proceed effectively. Political leaders including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka have voiced their concerns over the crisis and criticised the obstruction of the IEBC's reconstitution. Musyoka has called for a focus on national interests, particularly highlighting government delays in implementing recommendations aimed at electoral reforms and the necessary boundary delimitation.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has issued a warning that continued delays in appointing new commissioners will inevitably lead to a broader constitutional crisis. In parallel, the US Embassy's chargé d'affaires, David Gosney, has urged the Kenyan government to build public trust and leverage technology to address challenges within the electoral framework.