- The Chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Erastus Edung Ethekon, has defended the commission in relation to the integrity of the upcoming by-elections.
- The former Vice President, Rigathi Gachagua, claimed that the IEBC Vice Chairman, Fahima Araphat Abdallah, was planning to intervene in the Magarini by-election.
- But in a detailed statement, Ethekon explained the steps that IEBC has taken to ensure that elections are held freely and fairly
Nairobi – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has given a response to allegations of plans to disrupt the upcoming by-elections.
Source: Facebook
Former Vice President, Rigathi Gachagua, claimed that the Union of Kenya Kwanza wants to interfere in the Magarini by-elections with the help of IEBC.
How did IEBC respond to Gachagua’s claim?
In a statement, the IEBC Leader, Erastus Edung Ethekonadmitted to receiving Gachagua’s complaint about the Magarini by-election, explaining that the allegations are serious.
“The claims submitted regarding the Magarini by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025, are serious and deserve the attention of the Commission,” said Ethekon.
Ethekon assured the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and other politicians that the commission is committed to delivering fair, free and transparent elections.
“The commission emphasizes its unwavering commitment to providing the By-election in Magarini in a free, fair, transparent and credible manner. The integrity of the election process remains our top priority, and we will continue to adhere to the Constitution, laws, and all applicable regulations in carrying out our role,” he said.
The commission explained the existing measures to ensure the integrity of the Magarini by-election, saying that the returning officers and election writers have been selected and trained in accordance with legal procedures.
How does the IEBC organize the by-elections in Magarini?
The leader confirmed that the Commission has observed the rules set in the recruitment and appointment of election officials.
“The Commission appointed Returning Officers on August 8, 2025 through Gazette Nos. 11158 and 11159 for the conduct of the upcoming by-elections. These officers render services independently and are protected from threats, pressure, or undue influence from any person or organization,” said the IEBC leader.
The leader of the election commission noted that the list of election officials was distributed to all political parties and there were no complaints about its structure.
Ethekon also clarified that no polling or counting officials have been appointed yet, noting that training is ongoing.
“According to these conditions, the Commission distributed the list of election officials to political parties on November 14, 2025 to enable them to express any comments or complaints. No selection was made in polling stations or counting stations in any by-election area, to ensure that the final selection follows the correct procedures and appropriate certification,” he said.
Ethekon said that all election officials were ordered to act according to the law while defending his vice chairman, Fahima Araphat Abdallah.
Source: Facebook
“As independent election officials, they do not receive orders from any person, politician, or outside interest,” said the IEBC leader.
How
How is Fahima trying to cheat the Magarini election?
As previously reported, Gachagua accused the IEBC Vice Chairman of trying to interfere in the Magarini County by-election.
In his letter, Gachagua claimed that Fahima had taken control of the election process through “secret corrupt means.”
He claimed that on Friday, November 21, Fahima threatened election officials in Magarini and spent the night in a local hotel, which he said could be confirmed through hotel records and CCTV recordings.
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