Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged the newly appointed commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to begin their work without delay, saying the country needs a fully operational elections agency to safeguard democracy and uphold the will of the people at the ballot.

Speaking in Kipkeikei, Cherang’any constituency, Trans Nzoia County, during a women’s economic empowerment forum on Friday, Kindiki said the recent court ruling that upheld the appointment of the commissioners had removed uncertainty and restored confidence in the electoral body.

He called on the commission to start preparations for upcoming by-elections and the 2027 General Election.

“The IEBC commissioners should now officially begin preparations for the 2027 elections. The court case had put us in a difficult situation. It is important to have a fully-fledged commission in place and ready to conduct all our elections. It is now in place and it will help us underwrite our democracy,” Kindiki said.

He noted that while the commission is now expected to handle electoral matters, the Kenya Kwanza administration remains focused on delivering development and improving the lives of citizens even as the country moves closer to the next election cycle.

“We are working hard to develop the country as we prepare for 2027 elections. The work of preparing for election is IEBC’s but for us, it is to work for Kenyans as we get ready for the elections,” he added.

Kindiki warned those seeking power through unlawful means, saying any attempt to destabilise the country would be firmly dealt with. He said the government would not allow political players to incite disorder under the guise of free expression.

“Those looking for shortcuts to power should know this country cannot be allowed to degenerate to where some of our neighbouring countries are. President Ruto and this administration will not allow the country to descend into chaos and anarchy in the name of liberties and shortcuts by power-hungry politicians who are impatient and cannot wait for elections,” he declared.

Highlighting the government’s achievements under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, Kindiki said Trans Nzoia residents were already seeing the impact of development efforts.

He revealed that eight modern markets are currently under construction in the county, while Sh800 million has been set aside for last-mile electricity connections expected to benefit 10,000 people by December.

In addition, technical institutions in the area are benefiting from new hostel facilities being built through the affordable housing programme.

Kindiki also pointed to the success of the subsidised fertiliser programme, which he said had helped raise maize production from 36 million bags to over 85 million bags in less than two years.

Farmers in Trans Nzoia, one of the country’s main maize-producing regions, are now paying Sh2,500 per bag of fertiliser, down from Sh7,000.

“We are not just saying two terms for the sake of it. We are saying two terms to continue high production of food, register all Kenyans under SHA as we have already enrolled almost half, two terms to increase electricity connection and build more markets,” he stated.

He criticised opposition leaders for what he described as empty rhetoric and challenged them to offer better solutions if they wish to lead the country.

“If you cannot be led, you cannot lead. It is as simple as that. You can only lead this country through tact, strategy and wisdom not bravado and foolishness. Development of the country is step by step to fulfil a plan. It is not through aimless talk and slogans like one term, Ruto Must Go, Kasongo and the like,” he added.