Jeremiah Kioni reveals why he lost faith in IEBC after 2013

Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni has once again criticized the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), stating that his dissatisfaction with the electoral agency began following the 2013 General Election. Kioni maintained his criticism during an interview with K24TV, emphasizing that he has consistently questioned the conduct and leadership of the electoral commission since the 2013 polls.

He cautioned that inadequate enforcement of electoral rules could exacerbate political tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Kioni asserted that IEBC has always been at fault, from the day they conducted the 2013 elections. He called for stronger enforcement of electoral rules to restore confidence in the commission. Kioni argued that the commission still has an opportunity to rectify the situation by taking a firm stance against politicians who breach electoral rules. He urged the commission to send a message to politicians and candidates that inflammatory statements and conduct would have consequences.

Kioni warned that a weak electoral regulator could contribute to a more volatile political environment. He contended that the real concern was not merely the possibility of elections being stolen, but also the level of frustration among citizens and the determination of those in power to retain control. Kioni linked this tension to the potential for a repeat of the political crisis Kenya experienced in 2007, urging leaders to avoid creating conditions that might trigger deeper conflict.

The Jubilee official also criticized political leaders for organizing themselves along regional lines, arguing that such mobilization could incite similar responses from other communities. Kioni warned that portraying political contests as battles between communities and the government could deepen ethnic divisions. Despite this, he maintained that there was still time to change the political trajectory before the 2027 election, emphasizing that one year is a significant period in politics.

Kioni highlighted the presence of Jubilee across different regions as an alternative to the constant insults and hostile political rhetoric. He urged political leaders to oppose the government without resorting to personal attacks, advocating for national politics to focus on competing ideas rather than community mobilization. His remarks come as political parties continue reorganizing and positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.