IEBC Denies Plan to Delete 2 Million Voters From Register

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has refuted claims of an imminent voter register purge circulating widely on social media.

This comes amidst an ongoing leadership vacuum and legal challenges threatening its operational stability. The commission, currently without a substantive leadership team, has issued a formal denial in response to a viral post that falsely attributed remarks to the incoming Chairperson Erastus Ethekon. 

The post alleged the removal of over two million "ghost voters", purportedly concentrated in Kiambu, Meru, Nairobi, and Nyeri counties, ahead of the 2027 General Election. In a statement released via X, the IEBC stresses that it lacks both a chairperson and commissioners in office and has not authorised any communication regarding voter register audits. 

The statement urges citizens to exercise discernment and rely solely on its verified communication channels. The appointment of Ethekon and six commissioners, gazetted by President William Ruto on 10 June, remains stalled due to a conservatory order issued by the High Court on 29 May. 

The order, pending the determination of a constitutional petition, questions the transparency and legality of the selection process. Activists Boniface Mwangi and Kelvin Roy Omondi filed the petition, raising concerns about procedural integrity and alleged political interference in the vetting process. While Parliament proceeded with its vetting, the court prohibited the executive from finalising any appointments, intensifying the leadership crisis.

The IEBC's legal predicament has already sparked allegations of contempt of court following the premature publication of the appointments. The Judiciary, however, has ruled out immediate punitive measures against President Ruto, affirming the constitutional right to a fair hearing before sanctions.

Electoral watchdogs and civil society groups are concerned about the timing of this crisis. The absence of a functioning commission threatens the continuity of critical reforms, including a comprehensive audit and update of the voter register, deemed essential for enhancing electoral transparency and public trust. The commission continues to urge the public to treat unauthorised claims with scepticism and await formal updates from its official platforms.

"We urge Kenyans to treat such posts with the contempt they deserve," the IEBC said, reaffirming its commitment to accurate and transparent public communication.