Wandayi Clarifies IEBC Livestreaming Bill Amid Election Transparency Concerns

Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi commenting on the controversy surrounding proposed changes to Kenya’s election laws. Reports published on October 24, 2026 confirm that Wandayi disputed claims that Parliament had passed a Bill to stop the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) from livestreaming election results.The key distinction is that the National Assembly passed the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024 with amendments on October 22, 2026, but the Bill has not completed the legislative process. The House said it had removed the disputed clause affecting Section 39 of the Elections Act preserving the existing livestreaming provision.

Wandayi’s remarks followed public concern over whether the proposed amendments would weaken transparency ahead of the 2027 General Election. According to The Standard he maintained that Parliament had not passed a Bill specifically intended to stop the IEBC from livestreaming election results.

The dispute centres on Clause 22 of the Bill as received from the Senate. The clause proposed replacing Section 39 of the Elections Act which governs the determination and declaration of election results. The National Assembly subsequently deleted the clause after considering public participation and a High Court judgment delivered in September 2026.

In a statement reported by Citizen Digital on October 24, Parliamentary Affairs Principal Secretary Aurelia Rono said the amended Bill retained the requirement for the IEBC to establish a mechanism for livestreaming results. She explained that deleting Clause 22 preserved the existing provisions under Section 39, including subsection 39(1G).The legislation also proposes changes to voter registration, political party nominations and procedures for recalling Members of Parliament. Other provisions seek to revise the IEBC’s role in party primaries and address the handling of electoral disputes.

The National Assembly is expected to return the amended Bill to the Senate for consideration in accordance with Article 110(4) of the Constitution. Its final status will depend on the remaining legislative process.The controversy highlights the importance of clear public communication about electoral reforms as Kenya prepares for the 2027 polls. While the image circulating online attributes the quoted remarks to Wandayi, the wider legislative position is supported by published reporting and statements from government and parliamentary officials.

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