Willis Otieno: 2027 Elections Will Be Decided by Kenyans—Not the IEBC
Speaking during a widely streamed political podcast on Tuesday, Otieno dismissed the idea that the IEBC holds the ultimate power in the electoral process.
Lawyer Willis Otieno. Photo/Sisi Afrika Magazine.
By Juliet Jerotich
Outspoken political analyst and constitutional lawyer Willis Otieno has boldly declared that the fate of the 2027 General Elections lies squarely in the hands of Kenyans, not the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Speaking during a widely streamed political podcast on Tuesday, Otieno dismissed the idea that the IEBC holds the ultimate power in the electoral process.
“The responsibility to deliver credible elections doesn’t lie with the IEBC. It belongs to Kenyans themselves,” said Otieno. “The IEBC is only an administrator. They won’t be running the elections—Kenyans will.”
He made it clear that while the commission plays a critical logistical role, it cannot determine outcomes. According to him, its core function is to facilitate, not influence, the will of the people.
“It’s the people who hold the final say. The IEBC’s job is to set up a system that simply captures and reflects the choice of voters,” he added.
Otieno, known for his fiery and unapologetic political views, painted 2027 as a battle between ordinary Kenyans seeking transformation and entrenched elites desperate to hold onto power.
“In 2027, it’s Kenyans vs. legacy politicians. It’s a fight between change and status quo,” he said.
He didn’t hold back criticism of the newly reconstituted IEBC either. Otieno questioned their independence, alleging that the current commissioners appear handpicked to serve the interests of President William Ruto’s administration.
“They look like employees of William Ruto. We were never shown the report that justified their appointment. These are political replicas, not neutral arbiters,” he said.
With the country already gearing up for a high-stakes election season, Otieno warned both the political class and the IEBC against attempting to manipulate the process.
“Kenyans are more alert than ever. Any plot to rig or twist the people’s will won’t succeed. Legacy politics is dying. You won’t stop the people,” he declared.
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