Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana has weighed in on ongoing debates over the credibility of the electoral body, noting that public distrust in Kenya’s electoral system is not a recent development.
Speaking in an interview with Citizen TV on Monday morning, Mukhwana said the issue of trust has deep historical roots.
"The issue of trust is historical, dating back to the 1992 multi-party elections, and cannot be attributed to this commission alone," he said.
His remarks come amid discussions on electoral reforms.
Mukhwana stressed that efforts to strengthen the electoral system should focus not only on personnel changes but also on addressing long-standing systemic issues that have affected public confidence over the past three decades.
In a move aimed at improving voter convenience and turnout, Mukhwana outlined plans to enhance access during elections.
"We are putting four kits in every constituency: two to reduce congestion and another two open kits to allow voters to cast their ballot in a different location while remaining in their home constituency," he explained.
The IEBC has in the past faced criticism over logistical bottlenecks, long queues, and technical challenges with electronic voter identification systems.
If successfully implemented, the new arrangement could increase flexibility and accessibility for voters, including youth, urban workers, and Kenyans in the diaspora returning home to vote.
Mukhwana’s comments come as Parliament debates the IEBC Amendment Bill and stakeholders advocate for reforms aimed at restoring public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the next general election.
In a separate interview with Spice FM, Mukhwana addressed concerns about the impartiality of commissioners, acknowledging that some Kenyans associate commissioners with political affiliations due to past professional interactions.
"Some lines have been traced linking us to certain political figures. They argue that because we have worked with these leaders, we cannot be impartial," he said.
He stressed, however, that prior professional interactions do not disqualify commissioners from serving.
"We live in this country, and the Constitution does not bar anyone from holding a position simply because they have interacted with someone in leadership," Mukhwana added.
