The IEBC now wants stronger accountability and early planning in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election, following a detailed post-election briefing delivered in Nairobi on Monday, December 8.
Chairman Erastus Ethiko during the IEBC Stakeholder Forum spoke to how the November 27 by-elections were conducted and painted a picture of an electoral process in which there is improvement, but also with underlying vulnerabilities that still need urgent attention.
Ethekon began by reminding stakeholders that elections are never a one-institution affair. Rather, they rely on layered coordination between the IEBC, security agencies, political parties, observers, aspirants, and the media.
“We will not run elections on the basis of emotion or intimidation. The law guides every decision we make,” he emphasized.
Organised Disruptions and Rise of ‘Super-Agents’
In his televised address, the chair revealed that some of the disruptions witnessed at the polling stations were not spontaneous, but organised attempts to intimidate the voters and officials.
He further showed concern about what he termed the emergence of so-called super-agents people who seemed to enjoy undue influence beyond what the law conferred on ordinary party agents, and some of them even tried to interfere with the polling process.
Mbeere North Dispute and Rule of Law
Addressing disputes in Mbeere North, where some stakeholders had demanded the disqualification of some candidates, Ethekon reiterated that IEBC cannot be cowed by political pressure.
He explained that the Commission is bound by the law and that the calls to strike out candidates for reasons not backed by proper legal grounds undermine the integrity of the electoral system.
Violence in Kasipul and Enforcement of the Code of Conduct
The IEBC boss also mentioned the Kasipul incident, where two rival camps clashed violently on the day of the poll. The two leading candidates were fined KSh1 million each for breaching the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Ethekon emphasized that all the fines were imposed, reiterating that the Commission is fair and records everything.
Media Praise and Miscommunication Risks
Ethekon commended journalists for supporting transparency during the entire election period but urged stronger coordination in stemming misinformation, particularly during tallying, what he termed a fertile ground for speculation.
Calls for Better Funding and Structural Reforms
He expressed gratitude to the government for availing funds to hold the by-elections but noted that late disbursements weaken the Commission’s logistical planning and expose the process to avoidable risks.
Ethekon also signaled IEBC’s willingness to consider structural reforms, including proposals to scrap the national tallying centre, if the changes can strengthen public trust.
Culture of Accountability Ahead of 2027
The Chairman-IEBC encouraged the public to make early reports of misconduct, instead of waiting until election day when tension is at its peak. He also called on political parties and security agencies to adopt a culture of responsibility.
Ethekon concluded by saying that continued engagement with stakeholders will help the Commission review what worked and fix what did not in the November polls. He noted that though the by-elections showed progress, they also exposed gaps that need to be addressed well before Kenyans return to the ballot in 2027.
