By-Elections a Crucial Test for New IEBC Team Ahead of 2027, Says Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei has termed Kenya’s electoral system “the safest electoral system,” saying upcoming by-elections will serve as a vital test for the newly appointed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners as they prepare for the 2027 General Election

Speaking on Citizen TV’s Daybreak on Tuesday, Shollei said the mini polls offer the new IEBC team an opportunity to strengthen their operations, gain hands-on experience, and identify areas in need of improvement

“We have a new IEBC, a new set of commissioners. I think by-elections are a good way of actually testing the new commissioners and also for them it’s a learning experience,” she stated

Shollei commended the IEBC’s recent move to fine two Kasipul parliamentary by-election candidates Ksh.1 million each after violence between their supporters resulted in two deaths

She noted that firm action is crucial in curbing electoral misconduct

“During my time, it happened when we had the Makadara elections, when Mike Sonko vied for the first time. We had the same situation

And we said to them, we’re going to cancel the elections if we hear any more violence,” she recalled

“It is your responsibility to ensure that your supporters are not violent. And the moment you do that, it changes the game”

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Shollei dismissed allegations that Kenya’s elections are prone to rigging, arguing that critics often misunderstand how the electoral system functions

She explained that KIEMS kits are geo-mapped and cannot be used outside assigned polling stations, while biometric identification prevents impersonation and multiple voting

“If you don’t have fingers, you still have the pupil of your eye, you still have your facial features… It has to be confirmed by all the agents, and it has to be noted in the book,” she added

She also highlighted the transparency provided by QR-coded results forms and ballot papers, which are scanned and uploaded to a public portal, enabling real-time independent tallying by citizens and media outlets

A total of 24 elections will take place on November 27, including one Senate seat in Baringo County, six parliamentary seats, and 17 MCA positions

Constituencies voting for new MPs include Kasipul, Mbeere North, Ugunja, Magarini, Banissa, and Malava

Writer :  Mweru Mbugua