" IMPOSSIBLE TO STEAL VOTES" - ETHEKON

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon Edung has dismissed claims of presidential election theft in Kenya, stating categorically that the country’s electoral system is too tightly regulated to allow such malpractice.

Speaking during a candid media roundtable on Wednesday, Edung emphasized that all election-related disputes are addressed through legal processes, and not through street narratives.

“No one has ever stolen a presidential election in this country. Our systems are highly regulated, and any grievances go through established legal channels,” Edung said.

Responding to a question on the existence of ghost polling stations, Edung acknowledged the concern but clarified the commission's position:

“To be fair, I didn’t expect this topic to come up, but let me be honest — I am not personally aware of any ghost polling stations. However, I do know they exist, and that’s why our national operations team is actively investigating their locations and timelines,” he said.

He added that the IEBC would publish all gazetted polling stations and conduct cross-verification ahead of the 2027 General Election, in a bid to enhance transparency and restore public confidence.

Touching on the issue of impartiality, Edung said the matter is often based more on perception than fact.

“Impartiality is largely a perception issue. The facts tell a different story,” he stated.

Rejecting persistent allegations of electoral fraud, Edung maintained that the entire process — from voting to tallying and announcement of results — follows strict legal and procedural frameworks.

“When people talk about vote theft, I ask: where and how? Elections in Kenya are methodical. If anyone feels aggrieved, the Constitution provides a clear legal path to address it through petitions,” he emphasized.

With eyes already turning toward the 2027 General Election, Edung promised a more robust electoral process, stating that any vulnerabilities will be sealed.

“Come 2027, I want to make it practically impossible to steal an election. If anyone sees a loophole, bring it to our attention — we will fix it,” he assured.

In conclusion, Edung reiterated the commission’s commitment to accuracy and impartiality.

“At IEBC, we work with numbers, not emotions. That is our guiding principle,” he said, affirming the commission’s dedication to data-driven and constitutionally grounded decision-making.