Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has warned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that Kenya’s stability, security and democratic future will depend heavily on how it prepares for and conducts the 2027 General Election. Speaking in Garissa, Duale urged IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon and the commissioners to strictly uphold the Constitution, transparency, fairness and accountability in all electoral and procurement decisions. Duale recalled the disputed 2007 presidential election, warning that mishandling the 2027 polls could have serious consequences given Kenya’s history of election-related unrest. He stressed that the responsibility for delivering a credible presidential election rests primarily with the IEBC chairperson as the chief returning officer, rather than other state institutions. His remarks come amid growing political scrutiny of IEBC’s preparations, particularly the planned procurement of the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS). Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has questioned the procurement process and alleged that it could favour South Korean firm Miru Systems, while also raising concerns about political interference and corruption. IEBC has rejected the allegations, with Ethekon insisting that no company had been awarded the IEMS tender. The commission said the process was temporarily halted after reviews were filed before the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board. IEBC maintains that the tender was designed to be open to qualified suppliers and is being conducted in line with the Constitution and public procurement law. Ethekon has also challenged Gachagua to provide evidence behind allegations concerning a property allegedly purchased to influence him, urging that any evidence be submitted to the relevant anti-corruption authorities. The IEBC says it welcomes legitimate scrutiny but has warned that unsupported allegations could undermine public confidence in Kenya’s electoral process.