Ruto Addresses Alleged Plot to Ban Livestreaming of 2027 Election Results

President William Ruto has dismissed concerns over claims that the government plans to ban the livestreaming of election results, as debate over proposed changes to Kenya’s electoral laws continues ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The controversy follows the passage of the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, by the National Assembly on October 22, 2026. The proposed changes sparked public concern after reports suggested that lawmakers had removed the legal requirement for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to livestream results announced at polling stations.

The debate has raised questions about transparency and how Kenyans will follow the counting and announcement of votes in the next general election.

Livestreaming allows citizens, political parties, journalists and election observers to watch results being announced at polling stations. It also gives the public an opportunity to compare the figures announced at polling stations with those released later by electoral officials.

However, government officials have rejected claims that the parliamentary changes amount to a ban on livestreaming.

Government Spokesperson Charles Owino said on October 24 that the legal provision requiring the IEBC to establish a livestreaming mechanism remained intact. He maintained that results announced at polling stations would continue to be streamed.

Parliament also clarified that the National Assembly had deleted Clause 22 of the Bill, which proposed replacing Section 39 of the Elections Act. According to lawmakers, the decision preserved the existing provision on livestreaming.

The move followed a High Court judgment delivered on September 22, 2026, which upheld the constitutionality of Section 39 and Regulation 83(2) of the Elections (General) Regulations.

Despite the assurances, the issue has continued to attract criticism from political leaders and legal experts concerned about electoral transparency.

The Bill will return to the Senate for consideration of the amendments made by the National Assembly, in line with Article 110(4) of the Constitution.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the final wording of the proposed law is likely to remain a key issue in discussions about public trust and credible elections in Kenya.

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