Saitabao Ole Kanchory Outlines Conditions for Credible 2027 General Elections


Activist and lawyer Saitabao ole Kanchory has listed key conditions he says must be met for the 2027 general election to be free, fair, and credible. He issued the directives in a post on X on January 10, 2026, stressing that without reforms, public confidence in the electoral process will remain low.

Kanchory called for a complete overhaul of the IEBC Secretariat. He specifically named the current leadership, including Marjan Hussein, stating they must be removed to restore credibility.

He also demanded that returning officers implicated in past electoral malpractices be dismissed. According to him, accountability within election management is essential for a credible process.

A major concern highlighted by Kanchory is election technology. He urged the immediate termination of contracts with Smartmatic, which he described as discredited, and called for a tamper-proof system from a reputable firm procured transparently.

Kanchory also targeted the Greek firm Inform Lykos, previously involved in printing ballot papers and other election materials. He stressed that it must be replaced to ensure integrity in the electoral supply chain.

Beyond personnel and technology, Kanchory emphasized public vigilance. He urged citizens to closely monitor the IEBC, which he described as politically influenced, and to challenge any decisions that could compromise electoral credibility.

His statements come amid ongoing debates over IEBC independence and transparency. Critics have raised concerns about procurement irregularities, foreign influence, and weak internal controls during past elections.

Kanchory’s demands echo broader public scepticism. A recent Infotrak survey after the November 2025 by-elections revealed that only 8 per cent of Kenyans found the polls very free and credible, while 31 per cent considered them not credible.

The activist’s remarks highlight the need for structural reforms and public oversight. They signal that the 2027 elections will be closely scrutinized, with the credibility of the IEBC under intense public and political pressure.



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