‘Hold us to account, but be factual,’ IEBC boss urges media

IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon. /FILE

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairperson Erastus Ethekon has urged the media to subject the commission to rigorous scrutiny, but to do so on the basis of evidence, fairness and factual accuracy.

Speaking Saturday during the Gala Dinner at the close of the Kenya Editors’ Guild Annual Convention in Kilifi, Ethekon said the commission values accountability and transparency but remains concerned about what he termed “negative headlines without merit” that risk undermining public confidence in the electoral process.

“You need to ask us to be factual and provide evidence when we err. When our politicians are involved, even in instances of violence, you should ask who is behind the goons,” he said.

“As we move forward, you play a crucial role. Hold us accountable for any oversights, but also give us credit when we get it right.”

Ethekon warned that sustained, unsubstantiated criticism could damage the commission’s credibility and ultimately discourage voter participation, particularly as the 2027 general elections edge closer.

“When we see negative headlines about IEBC without merit, it’s concerning. We’re still in our infancy. Such narratives not only endanger us but also discourage fellow Kenyans from registering to vote. Questioning our integrity affects voter turnout. If this continues, voter turnout might dwindle to 40 per cent,” he told editors.

His remarks come in the wake of intense scrutiny following the November 27 by-elections, where the IEBC faced accusations of complicity in alleged incidents of violence, voter bribery, intimidation and ballot stuffing in several constituencies.

During a press conference on polling day, United Opposition co-principal Rigathi Gachagua claimed there were deliberate attempts to compromise the electoral process.

“It is now clear that plans to stuff ballot papers are complete and our agents are being intimidated to subvert the sovereign will of the people,” he said.

The commission, however, dismissed the allegations, insisting it conducted the mini-polls in a free and fair environment.

It argued that its officers acted professionally and that any isolated incidents were promptly addressed in line with electoral procedures.

Opposition leaders, however, rejected that defence. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the IEBC’s public response fell short of what was required to reassure voters.

“The response from IEBC has been weak and insufficient,” he claimed. “The IEBC, by failing to address the genuine concerns raised by the Opposition and the Media—and by neglecting to put in place the necessary remedial measures—continues to cast a long shadow over its own independence. This new commission now stands accused, not by us alone, but by its actions, of presiding over a process whose credibility grows more questionable by the day.”

In a separate statement a day after the polls, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) indicted the commission, saying Kenyans expected it to have read the signs from the violence witnessed in some areas before the elections and prevented a repeat on election day.

"However, the reports of unbridled violence and unrest during the conduct of the by-elections indicate a worrying level of ill-preparedness on the part of the electoral stakeholders," LSK president Faith Odhiambo said.

Ethekon told editors that while criticism is healthy and necessary, it should be based on verifiable facts to avoid eroding institutions still working to regain public trust.

He noted that the role of the media as a watchdog remains indispensable but must be exercised responsibly to avoid fuelling misinformation or damaging confidence in democratic processes.