LDP Secretary General Denis Kodhe. PHOTO:POOL
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has strongly criticized the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for what it terms as gross failure to conduct the recent by-elections in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya.
Speaking on behalf of the party, the LDP Secretary General, Dr. Denise Kodhe, said the commission’s performance was unacceptable and raised serious concerns about its capacity to manage future elections.
“The IEBC must either shape up or shape out. There are no two ways about it. Kenyans deserve an electoral body that respects the Constitution and delivers credible, free, and fair elections,” said Dr. Kodhe.
Dr. Kodhe noted that the recent by-elections were meant to serve as a test run for the commission ahead of the 2027 General Election but instead exposed deep institutional weaknesses.
“The by-elections were an opportunity for the commissioners to assure Kenyans of their ability and capacity to manage elections. From what we witnessed, the IEBC failed this test miserably,” she stated.
The LDP further questioned the integrity of some IEBC commissioners, alleging that certain individuals are occupying office illegally and failed to meet the integrity standards set out in Chapter Six of the 2010 Constitution.
“It is common knowledge that some commissioners did not pass the integrity test as required by the Constitution. They should not be allowed to remain in office and continue committing the same offenses they were accused of before their appointment,” Dr. Kodhe emphasized.
The party has now called upon opposition leaders, the media, civil society organizations, human rights groups, the international community, and Gen Z activists, among other stakeholders, to demand accountability from the electoral body.
“We urge all stakeholders to stand up and demand that IEBC either conducts elections strictly in line with the Constitution or resigns to pave way for the appointment of qualified, credible, and efficient commissioners,” said Dr. Kodhe.
In a strong warning, the LDP issued a three-month ultimatum to the IEBC to reform and restore public confidence.
“The Liberal Democratic Party is giving IEBC three months to put its house in order. Failure to do so will compel Kenyans to engage in mass protests to remove the commissioners from office before they plunge the country into turmoil ahead of the 2027 General Elections,” Dr. Kodhe warned.
The LDP reiterated its commitment to constitutionalism, democratic governance, and the protection of the Kenyan people’s right to credible elections.
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