Migori — Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a firm defense of the newly reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) after the chairman Ethekun and commissioners were sworn in yesterday after Ruto’s re-gazetted their appointment, calling for its independence to be respected as the country heads toward the 2027 general election.
Speaking at Gokeharaka in Kuria East, Migori County on Saturday during an event to support women and small-scale traders, Kindiki dismissed criticism of the IEBC as political noise from leaders who fear losing at the ballot.
“This is a national institution. The Constitution empowers IEBC to work independently. It does not report to any political player,” Kindiki said.
He warned against any attempts to undermine the commission or interfere with constitutional offices. “Those already attacking the IEBC are simply afraid. They have sensed defeat and are now fighting the referee,” he added. “Anyone who disrespects these institutions is not ready for real competition.”
Kindiki also urged respect for the Judiciary, stating that any disputes with the commission’s decisions should be resolved through legal channels. “If you have a problem with IEBC, go to court. That is how we build a democratic country,” he emphasized.
Kindiki made it clear that the current administration will not seek favors from the electoral body. “We are not looking for sympathy or special treatment,” he said. “We are delivering services. Our work will speak for us at the ballot.”
The Deputy President dismissed any talk of unconstitutional takeovers or shortcuts to power. “We are in office legally. Anyone wishing to lead this country should prepare for 2027,” he said. “There will be no shortcuts, no destabilization.”
He declared that the next election will be a contest between development and outdated tribal politics. “This is about performance, not empty slogans or ethnic alliances,” he said.
Kindiki highlighted ongoing government projects in Migori County as evidence of progress. These include construction of new markets in Mabera, Isebania, Ntimaru, Gokeharaka, and Gekonga, expected to be completed by year-end.
He also confirmed a Sh1.6 billion investment to connect 17,000 households to electricity in the county. Kuria East has received Sh311 million under this initiative.
Another Sh330 million has been set aside to tarmac the Taranganya–Ntimaru–Nyamtiro–Loliondo road, which connects Kenya to Tanzania. Affordable housing projects in the county are also progressing.
“This is a government of delivery. We are building markets, roads, homes, and connecting households to electricity. We are not making excuses,” Kindiki said.
He also pushed for nationwide enrollment in the Social Health Authority (SHA) program. “Health coverage is a right for every Kenyan. This program is working, and it must reach everyone,” he said.
He urged the public to ignore misinformation around SHA. “Half of Kenyans are already registered. We want everyone covered not left to chance or harmful practices,” Kindiki said. “It is not Linda Mama alone it is Linda Familia, Linda Jamii.”
As the countdown to 2027 continues, Kindiki’s message was clear: national progress must not be derailed by political theatrics, ethnic division, or attacks on independent institutions.
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