Africa-Press – Kenya. Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has assured Kenyans that the country’s electoral system is fully secure, dismissing claims that the 2027 General Election could be manipulated.
Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana said the commission is properly constituted and has put in place robust procedures that make it impossible to steal an election.
He urged citizens to ignore what he termed “street talk” and instead participate actively in voter registration and the electoral process.
“Do not listen to what is being said. IEBC is currently constituted, and the procedures for voting are firmly in place. It is impossible to steal an election under the current system,” Mukhwana said.
The commissioner explained that the biometric voter identification system provides multiple layers of security that prevent impersonation or multiple voting.
According to him, every voter must present a national identity card and undergo fingerprint verification at the polling station before being allowed to cast a ballot.
He added that even during registration, the process includes strict biometric capture, including iris recognition, making it difficult for anyone to fraudulently register or vote.
“For those registering now, you must remove your glasses and your iris is captured and confirmed. Tell me how someone who is not registered can vote. Are you going to cut someone’s fingers to use their biometrics? Are you going to remove someone’s eyes to be captured? It is not possible,” Mukhwana said.
He noted that technological safeguards and strict verification procedures have significantly strengthened the integrity of Kenya’s elections compared to previous years.
At the same time, Mukhwana said the commission is often unfairly criticised, largely because commissioners rarely get opportunities to explain their work directly to the public.
“Sometimes, IEBC is unfairly criticised, and as commissioners, we do not always get platforms to clarify issues. We end up being hammered without Kenyans understanding the systems we have put in place,” he said.
The commissioner expressed confidence that the 2027 General Election will be free, fair and credible, urging eligible citizens, especially young people, to register as voters.
“I assure you the elections in 2027 will be free, fair and credible. Come out and register and vote because you must determine your future,” he said.
Mukhwana emphasised that public participation and trust are critical to the success of any election, calling on political leaders and stakeholders to support civic education efforts instead of spreading misinformation.
Preparations for the 2027 general election is on top gear with the IEBC currently conducting voter registration.
