Methu Defends IEBC Livestreaming, Says Kenyans Must See Official Election Results

A political debate over the livestreaming of election results has intensified ahead of the 2027 General Election, with concerns emerging over how Kenyans will follow the announcement and verification of presidential results.

Methu has argued that livestreaming presidential results would help citizens know the official figures announced during the electoral process. The position comes amid growing public discussion about proposed changes to the Elections Act and their implications for transparency.

The debate follows controversy surrounding the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, which initially proposed changes to Section 39 of the Elections Act, the provision governing the determination, transmission and declaration of election results.

The proposed changes raised concerns among some political leaders and election stakeholders, who argued that removing the explicit livestreaming requirement could limit public access to results as they are announced at polling stations.

However, the National Assembly said on October 23 that lawmakers had deleted the disputed clause from the Bill, retaining the existing provision requiring the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to establish a mechanism for livestreaming results announced at polling stations. The Bill still has to complete the legislative process.

Livestreaming allows citizens, political parties, journalists and election observers to follow results announcements in real time. It can also enable the public to compare figures announced at polling stations with the results published through official channels.

Supporters of the requirement argue that access to this information strengthens accountability and reduces uncertainty during elections. They maintain that Kenyans should be able to observe how results are announced rather than depend entirely on summaries released later.

Nevertheless, livestreaming is not the same as electronically transmitting results or formally declaring a presidential winner. The IEBC must follow the legal procedures governing the verification, tallying and declaration of election results.

President William Ruto has also dismissed claims that the government intends to ban livestreaming, describing the allegations as propaganda during a church service in Mwingi, Kitui County, on October 25.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, the debate highlights the importance of clear electoral laws and public access to reliable information. Kenyans will be watching how Parliament concludes consideration of the Bill and how the IEBC implements the legal requirements governing results announcements.

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