Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Edung Ethokon has declared that election theft in Kenya is an impossibility, citing strengthened transparency measures, improved electoral technology and strict audit trails deployed during the recently concluded November 27 by-elections.
Speaking on Monday during a post-election stakeholder engagement forum that brought together state and non-state actors, Ethokon expressed confidence in the commission’s handling of the polls, saying the integrity of the electoral process had been firmly safeguarded.
The IEBC revealed that the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits recorded a 99 per cent functionality rate, playing a central role in voter identification and verification and greatly enhancing transparency. The commission said the by-elections served as a crucial test of its preparedness ahead of the 2027 General Election.
While acknowledging the challenge of voter apathy, the electoral body noted that attempts to influence the outcome of the by-elections were effectively neutralised through heightened vigilance by presiding officers and security agencies.
However, the commission raised concern over what it termed as the dangerous rise of “super agents,” alleging that some individuals attempted to disrupt the electoral process through intimidation, violence and unlawful interference.
IEBC disclosed that several incidents had been referred to security agencies and said it expects arrests and prosecutions in cases where election officials were assaulted or election materials were tampered with.
