By Joshua Otieno | March 4, 2026
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), led by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, today addressed participants at the 8th People’s Dialogue Festival held at Uhuru Park from March 4th to 7th, 2026.
Speaking at the forum, Ethekon reflected on Kenya’s democratic journey, expressing confidence in the country’s continued progress despite existing challenges.
“It is both an honour and a responsibility to stand at Uhuru Park, a space deeply woven into Kenya’s democratic journey. Democracy is not sustained by institutions alone. It is sustained by participation, by trust, and above all, by people — especially our youth,” he said.
Boundary Delimitation and Electoral Costs
The Chairperson underscored the urgency of addressing boundary delimitation through structured and inclusive dialogue anchored in constitutional and legal frameworks. While acknowledging that courts may pronounce themselves on specific matters, he emphasized the need for consensus-building and public confidence.
On campaign financing and the cost of elections, Ethekon spoke candidly about the financial demands of conducting credible, transparent and verifiable elections. However, he warned that escalating and unregulated campaign spending poses a deeper democratic risk.
“Excessive and unregulated spending breeds inequality and creates fertile ground for malpractice,” he noted, calling for stronger transparency and accountability mechanisms.
Violence During By-Elections
Addressing recent incidents of violence witnessed during by-elections, Ethekon firmly rejected intimidation as a form of democratic participation.
“We have witnessed disturbing scenes — individuals armed with crude weapons, allegedly in the name of protecting their democratic rights. That is not democracy,” he stated.
He stressed that democracy must be safeguarded through institutions, dialogue and respect for the rule of law — not violence.
Youth Voter Registration Drive
With the launch of an enhanced nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise scheduled for March 30, 2026, the Chairperson placed particular emphasis on youth participation.
“You do not need any more power than that. Register. Participate. This is not merely a right — it is a civic duty and responsibility,” he urged, expressing confidence in the energy and collective strength of young Kenyans.
A Shift Toward Transparency
Ethekon described the current Commission’s leadership as representing a paradigm shift marked by openness and accessibility. Since assuming office, IEBC leadership has engaged youth groups in Kirinyaga, Machakos and Nairobi, as well as media, civil society organisations, political parties and development partners.
“We are fostering a culture of accessibility and transparency. We are committed to being visible, accessible and accountable,” he said.
He proposed extending forums such as the People’s Dialogue Festival to counties across the country to strengthen public engagement and dismantle perceptions of the Commission as distant or opaque.
Democracy as a Collective Responsibility
In closing, the Chairperson emphasized that credible elections cannot take place without stability and collaboration among stakeholders. He called on development partners, political parties, civil society, universities and citizens to work together in safeguarding democracy.
“Elections are a collective responsibility. We must all be involved. We must all be accountable. And together, we must safeguard our democracy,” he said.
Ethekon concluded by describing Kenya’s democracy as resilient and evolving, citing the country’s advanced voter register, consistent use of electoral technology since 2013 and strong legal framework as milestones that continue to attract regional and global recognition.
