Politics
Courts become key battleground before next General Election
The News
As Kenya approaches its next General Election, more court battles are being filed with the potential to affect how Kenyans will vote.
19 September 2026 · The Standard →
Kenya Minute.
Saturday, 26 September 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 26 September 2026
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Kenyan press · Person
Erastus Ethekon
Also known as: IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon · IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon · Chairperson Erastus Ethekon
Erastus Ethekon — IEBC Chairperson, defending the commission's independence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In coverage
Verbatim sentences from the source article.
- September 2026
The Standard
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] As the country heads towards the next General Election, more court battles are being lodged, with a likelihood of affecting how Kenyans will vote. …
Courts emerge as new battleground months before General ElectionThe Standard
… IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon's warning against violence and intimidation is welcome but must be more than rhetoric. …
Observe rules to ensure smooth general electionThe Standard
… ublic is hereby notified that pursuant to the powers conferred by Article 88(4) of the Constitution of Kenya ... the Independent Electoral & Boundaries Commission has published the Notice of the General Election," read part of the notice signed by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon …
Road to 2027: Key deadlines aspirants, parties must meet before August 10Citizen Digital
… Meanwhile, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that insiders from the commission have revealed to him that Chairman Erastus Ethekon and his Vice Chair Fahima Abdallah are determined to force MIRU Systems Technology from South Korea by awardi …
IEBC denies malpractice in procuring election management systemThe Standard
… In a statement dated September 10, IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the Commission had taken the allegations contained in the video seriously and was working with relevant government agencies to establish whether there was any culpability.The Commission said it was undertaki …
IEBC defends KU voter registration warns against misinformationCitizen Digital
… He urged IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon and all Commissioners to remain focused on the it's core mandate and exhibit transparency in all its activities, including procurement of election materials. …
CS Duale urges IEBC to remain focused on delivering free, fair electionsCapital News
… Mudavadi defended the current commission under Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, citing recent by-elections as evidence that it can conduct free, fair and credible polls. …
Mudavadi defends IEBC, warns opposition against undermining pollsThe Standard
… When the opposition attacks the referee, it seems they are not ready to get into the field,” said Mudavadi.He defended the commission’s independence and cited recent by-elections conducted under Chairperson Erastus Ethekon as evidence that the electoral body can deliver free, fai …
Mudavadi: Opposition attacks on IEBC threaten 2027 pollCitizen Digital
… IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon also revisited recent claims by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua alleging that the 2027 election could be rigged, describing such remarks as reckless and capable of undermining confidence in the electoral process. …
DPP Ingonga cites lack of evidence as key challenge to tame goonismThe Standard
… Subscribe to our newsletterThe call for restraint also extends to the media, with IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon cautioning journalists against contributing to misinformation, disinformation and malinformation during the election period.“Media must desist from falling into the …
IEBC to review security handbooks as preparations intensify
Saturday 19 September
Courts become key battleground before next General Election
As Kenya approaches its next General Election, more court battles are being filed with the potential to affect how Kenyans will vote.
19 September 2026 · The Standard →
Wednesday 16 September
Electoral Code of Conduct binds parties, candidates ahead of 2027 polls
Kenya has formally entered the 2027 electoral cycle with the gazettement of the election notice, and the Electoral Code of Conduct and Election Offences Act now bind parties, candidates, public officers and institutions. Key deadlines include party membership list submission by March 16, primary resolutions by May 9, public officers' resignation by February 10, nomination papers submission between May 29 and June 11, and a campaign period closing August 7 with a mandatory 48-hour voting blackout.
16 September 2026 · The Standard →
Tuesday 15 September
IEBC sets August 10, 2027 as polling day, December 9 fundraiser deadline
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has gazetted the 2027 General Election for August 10, 2027, across 290 constituencies and 1,450 wards. Aspirants have until December 9 to participate in public fundraisers, as Section 26 of the Elections Act bars them from doing so within eight months before the election.
15 September 2026 · The Standard →
Monday 14 September
IEBC dismisses claims of illegal election system procurement
The IEBC Commissioner said the Commission is lawfully procuring the Integrated Elections Management System through a tender process for the 2027 General Election, dismissing claims of illegal procurement and asserting they have sufficient time within legal timelines.
14 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Thursday 10 September
IEBC defends voter registration exercise at Kenyatta University
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission defended a voter registration exercise at Kenyatta University, saying deployment of registration kits to the institution was part of efforts to reach eligible Kenyans. The electoral agency said it investigates allegations in a circulating video and deploys voter registration kits to strategic locations based on operational considerations.
10 September 2026 · The Standard →
Sunday 6 September
CS Duale urges IEBC focus on credible 2027 election
Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to execute its mandate under legal guidelines and remain focused on delivering a credible 2027 General Election, emphasizing transparency in procurement and strict adherence to the Public Finance Management Act.
6 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Saturday 5 September
Mudavadi urges opposition to stop attacking IEBC
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called on opposition leaders to cease criticising the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), arguing that the electoral agency's independence must be respected and that attacks on it could undermine public confidence in the August 2027 General Election. Mudavadi defended the current IEBC leadership under Chairperson Erastus Ethekon and cited recent by-elections, including the Ol Kalou poll, as evidence of the commission's ability to conduct credible elections.
5 September 2026 · Capital News →
Mudavadi says opposition attacks on IEBC threaten 2027 election
Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has accused opposition leaders of attacking the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to undermine confidence in the 2027 election, arguing the attacks aim to discredit the election outcome before voting takes place. Mudavadi defended the commission's independence, citing recent by-elections as evidence of its capacity to deliver free and fair polls, and warned opposition leaders against attempting to dictate how the IEBC conducts its work.
5 September 2026 · The Standard →
Wednesday 2 September
DPP Ingonga cites lack of evidence blocking goonism prosecution
The Director of Public Prosecutions said insufficient evidence is hindering efforts to prosecute politicians and individuals sponsoring political violence, urging investigating agencies to provide evidence to enable prosecution ahead of the 2027 General Election.
2 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
IEBC to review security handbooks for 2027 election
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission will next week review its election security handbook and police role cards to incorporate changes ahead of the 2027 General Election. The National Police Service has also developed a roadmap to guide security operations before, during and after the election, focusing on professional policing, coordination, and protection of electoral personnel and infrastructure.
2 September 2026 · The Standard →
Tuesday 1 September
Gachagua alleges IEBC plan to rig 2027 election through procurement
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that the IEBC is planning to procure a new election management system from South Korea to bungle the 2027 General Election, claiming IEBC leadership is determined to award the contract to MIRU Systems Technology.
1 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Gachagua accuses IEBC of transferring staff over tender dispute
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that the IEBC transferred senior officials from its Supply Chain Management and Electoral Management departments to counties outside Nairobi after they refused to give what he called false testimony in proceedings over the commission's proposed Integrated Elections Management System tender, which he claims was designed to favour South Korean firm Miru Systems.
1 September 2026 · Capital News →
Sunday 30 August
Wetangula urges opposition to stop attacking IEBC
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has called on the opposition to give the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission space to organise the 2027 polls, arguing they should not set terms for the electoral body or use abusive language against it. He noted that Kenya Kwanza won six of ten by-elections since the general election, and that opposition parties did not previously criticise the IEBC when they won.
30 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Kindiki warns politicians to stop interfering with IEBC
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged political leaders to cease interfering with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, warning that such attempts could threaten Kenya's democratic process ahead of the 2027 General Election. He called on politicians to focus on developing policies and manifestos rather than attacking the electoral body, and urged respect for the independence of electoral institutions.
30 August 2026 · The Standard →
Friday 28 August
Wetangula warns politicians against undermining IEBC before 2027 polls
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has cautioned politicians against interfering with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's operations and procurement processes, saying such attempts could erode public confidence in the 2027 General Election. His remarks come as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that the IEBC's tender for an Integrated Elections Management System was designed to favour South Korean firm Miru Systems Co. Ltd, though the IEBC has rejected these allegations and said the procurement process remains transparent and at an early stage.
28 August 2026 · Capital News →
Thursday 27 August
IEBC says no election technology tender winner yet
The IEBC chairperson has dismissed allegations by DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua that the 2027 presidential election will be rigged through election technology procurement, stating that no company, including Miru Systems Ltd, has been awarded the tender and that specifications are generic and performance-based.
27 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
IEBC demands Gachagua provide evidence of bribery allegations
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has challenged Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua to provide evidence for allegations of bribery and political interference in the commission's affairs, dismissing claims that politicians sought to influence its leadership ahead of the 2027 General Election.
27 August 2026 · Capital News →
Tuesday 25 August
IEBC warns politicians linked to violence face disqualification in 2027
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has warned it will closely scrutinize candidates accused of promoting violence, hate speech, and divisive politics, and will not clear individuals found to have violated election laws or engaged in conduct threatening peaceful elections ahead of the 2027 General Election.
25 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Government commits to safe 2027 election environment
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen assured Kenyans that the Government will protect their right to campaign and vote safely during the 2027 General Election. He said the Ministry will work with government agencies, partners and stakeholders to maintain law and order and promote peace ahead of the polls, following the launch of the NCIC roadmap for a violence-free election.
25 August 2026 · Capital News →
Police to recommend violent political actors to IEBC for office bans
The National Police Service will recommend individuals to the IEBC whom it deems unfit to contest elective positions based on records of promoting or perpetrating political violence. Security agencies are intensifying efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli warning that those involved in organising or sponsoring violence will face firm action.
25 August 2026 · Capital News →
Thursday 20 August
IEBC sets February 10 deadline for public officers to resign
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced that public officers intending to contest in the August 10, 2027 General Election must resign from office by February 10, 2027, exactly six months before the election. The IEBC also released other key election timelines, including March 16 for party candidate submissions and May 8 for completion of party primaries.
20 August 2026 · Capital News →
Public officers must resign by February 10 for 2027 elections
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has announced that public officers seeking to contest elective positions in the 2027 General Election must resign from office by February 10, 2027, exactly six months before the August 10 poll. The IEBC confirmed that the deadline and subsequent electoral timelines are legally binding and non-negotiable.
20 August 2026 · The Standard →
IEBC registers 2.94 million voters ahead of 2027 election
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has stepped up preparations for the August 10, 2027 General Election, with 2,936,516 Kenyans registered as voters since Continuous Voter Registration launched on September 29, 2025. The Commission projects a final register of about 28.5 million voters and is expanding voter registration for Kenyans abroad from 12 to 26 countries.
20 August 2026 · The Standard →
IEBC sets February 10 deadline for public officers eyeing 2027 seats
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced that public officers seeking to contest in the August 10, 2027 General Election must resign from office by February 10, 2027. The commission released its election calendar with legally binding deadlines, and cautioned that official campaigns cannot begin before May 29, 2027.
20 August 2026 · The Standard →
Wednesday 19 August
Gachagua challenges IEBC on 2027 election preparedness amid postponement concerns
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has called on the IEBC to confirm it will conduct the 2027 General Election as constitutionally provided, amid opposition claims that the government is creating political instability that could be used to justify postponing the August 2027 polls.
19 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Monday 10 August
IEBC gazes campaign financing rules and spending limits
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has gazzetted the campaign financing regulations 2026 and set spending limits for candidates and political parties for the General Election scheduled for August 10, 2027. Presidential candidates face a spending limit of Sh6.1 billion.
10 August 2026 · The Standard →
Wednesday 5 August
IEBC appoints Ruth Kulundu as acting CEO for two months
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has appointed Deputy Commission Secretary Ruth Kulundu as Acting Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary effective August 5, 2026, following the expiry of Moses Ledama Sunkuli's six-month acting tenure. Kulundu will serve for two months or until a substantive CEO is appointed.
5 August 2026 · Capital News →
IEBC appoints Ruth Kulundu as acting CEO for two months
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has appointed Ruth Kulundu as acting Chief Executive Officer and Commission Secretary for two months, replacing Moses Ledama Sunkuli whose six-month acting tenure ended on Tuesday. Kulundu will oversee the commission's day-to-day administration during the transition as IEBC prepares for the 2027 General Election.
5 August 2026 · The Standard →
Tuesday 4 August
MP warns police defying court orders risks banana republic
Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia defended the arrest of Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia but warned that police who defy court orders risk turning Kenya into a banana republic. She said officers at Kamukunji and Central police stations denied lawyers access to Kaguchia and moved him between stations in violation of legal procedures.
4 August 2026 · The Standard →
Friday 31 July
IEBC proposes bill to regulate MP recall procedures
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has proposed a Bill with far-reaching consequences that, if approved, will impact how the 2027 General Election is conducted, including guidance on the recall of MPs and removal of the need to livestream proceedings.
31 July 2026 · The Standard →