Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo have mounted a spirited defence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing opposition leaders of attempting to undermine the electoral body as political campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election gather momentum.
Speaking at separate events in Siaya County on Saturday, the two leaders dismissed concerns raised by opposition figures over the IEBC’s credibility, insisting that elections are won through public support rather than attacks on the commission.
While addressing residents and mourners in Ugunja, Wandayi said the opposition had begun questioning the electoral body prematurely because it lacked confidence in its popularity.
“He has started crying, saying ‘IEBC this, IEBC that.’ Stop crying before the whistle has even been blown,” Wandayi said.
He maintained that the commission does not determine election outcomes.
“IEBC has no votes to cast. The votes belong to the citizens. If you don’t have the people, if you don’t have the votes, then go home and stop bothering Kenyans.”
The Cabinet Secretary challenged opposition leaders to unveil their presidential flag bearer, expressing confidence that President William Ruto would secure re-election in the first round with more than 60 per cent of the vote.
Wandayi also urged eligible residents in Siaya County to acquire national identity cards and register as voters, announcing that the government would facilitate the issuance of IDs to young people free of charge.
Speaking during the commemoration of the late lawyer and former parliamentary aspirant Evans Oruenjo in Alego Usonga, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo echoed Wandayi’s sentiments, defending the legality of the current IEBC.
He said the commission was constituted through a transparent process that included public participation and judicial oversight, and urged its critics to respect the institution.
Referring to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Odhiambo said those now questioning the IEBC had previously participated in elections without raising similar concerns.
“When they went to the election together with the current President, he did not complain. I want to ask him: do not panic. Join other Kenyans in voting for President William Samoei Ruto,” he said.
The legislator predicted that President Ruto would receive increased support from Luo Nyanza, Western Kenya, the Coast and North Eastern regions, arguing that the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development agenda had strengthened its appeal.
Odhiambo cited affordable housing, road construction, market development and improvements to school infrastructure as some of the government’s achievements, adding that history favours incumbent presidents seeking a second term.
The leaders’ remarks come as political rhetoric intensifies over the composition and credibility of the IEBC, with both the ruling coalition and the opposition stepping up preparations for the 2027 General Election.
