Just Hours After Passing the Election Bill, MP Who Tabled It Receives This From Linda Mwananchi

Mary Njoroge has reignited debate over electoral transparency in Kenya after questioning lawmakers behind a proposed amendment that would remove the legal requirement for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to livestream the announcement of election results at polling stations.

Njoroge expressed her frustration over the proposal, questioning the identity of the legislators supporting the changes as concerns grow ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“Who is the MP who tabled that election bill tukamsalimie kidogo? Mmetuzoea nyinyi,” she said, sparking reactions among Kenyans following the developments.

However, the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was sponsored in the Senate by Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot and Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo. The National Assembly reportedly approved the legislation on October 22, 2026, and it is awaiting presidential assent.

At the centre of the controversy is a proposal to amend Section 39 of the Elections Act, removing the specific legal requirement for the IEBC to livestream election results as they are announced at polling stations.

The proposed changes would not completely eliminate electronic transmission of results or the online publication of polling-station result forms. The commission would still be expected to transmit results electronically, verify figures and make the relevant documents available online.

However, critics argue that removing mandatory livestreaming could weaken public oversight by making it more difficult for voters, journalists and election observers to compare announced results with figures transmitted electronically in real time.

Supporters of the amendments maintain that signed result forms remain the official records of election results and argue that the changes address legal concerns surrounding the existing framework.

The proposal has generated renewed discussion about accountability, public confidence and the safeguards needed to ensure credible elections in Kenya.

With the 2027 General Election approaching, the debate is likely to intensify as Kenyans assess the potential implications of the proposed changes.

The next major step is presidential assent, which would determine whether the amendments become law. The manner in which the revised provisions are implemented could prove equally important.

Njoroge’s remarks have added to growing public scrutiny of decisions affecting the country’s electoral process.

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