The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has termed the upcoming November 27 by-elections a major test of its credibility, as it assures Kenyans of a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
This even as the national security agencies and the electoral body issued a stern warning to candidates violating campaign rules, cautioning that the candidates and political parties found culpable of violence risk disqualification.
Speaking on Friday during a joint press briefing with security and oversight agencies, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon emphasised that adherence to electoral rules is non-negotiable, describing the upcoming polls as a critical test for the commission’s credibility.
Mr Ethekon and his team took office in July 2025, and the upcoming mini-polls are their first major assignment to supervise.
"This is a test for us," Mr Ethekon declared at Anniversary Towers building, flanked by police chief Douglas Kanja and cohesion agency boss Mr Samuel Kobia. "Upon appointment, we (IEBC commissioners) took an oath of office, and we are doing everything possible to ensure these elections are successful."
He stated that the commission had undertaken extensive preparations, including training electoral officials, deploying materials, and enforcing strict campaign schedules to prevent clashes.
His remarks came amid concerns over electoral violence, particularly in Kasipul Constituency, where clashes between rival supporters have been reported.
The IEBC has summoned candidates involved and warned that breaches of the electoral code of conduct could lead to disqualification.
"We condemn the violence in Kasipul," Mr Ethekon said. "The code of conduct is binding—not a mere suggestion—and we will take action against violators."
“All candidates and political parties are free to campaign in their respective constituencies. When we cleared them to vie, we asked them to harmonise their campaign schedules, which must be adhered to strictly,” he said.
“Candidates must stick to their calendar of events, venues, days and timings. They must follow the electoral code of conduct,” he stated.
Mr Kanja assured Kenyans that security agencies were monitoring hotspots and investigating incidents of violence.
"The National Police Service will not tolerate any breach of peace," Mr Kanja warned. "We are pursuing those responsible for the Kasipul chaos and will take decisive action."
Meanwhile, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Chairperson Samuel Kobia raised concerns over rising political intolerance, citing instances where agents of some candidates allegedly barred opponents from campaigning in certain areas.
"Nobody can ban another Kenyan from campaigning anywhere," Mr Kobia said at the joint presser.
He also warned against the use of criminal gangs to disrupt rallies, revealing that NCIC had uncovered organized groups hired by politicians to instigate violence.
Without providing names, Mr Kobia claimed there were politicians operating with “organised and coordinated goons” in the campaigns.
“Not only the politicians organizing goons, but there are groups organising gangs on behalf of the politicians to ensure politicians are not linked to the violence. They disrupt meetings,” he claimed.
Stating that the NCIC was actively monitoring any hate speech, ethnic profiling and incitement to violence, Dr Kobia said they had identified breaches of the electoral code of conduct in Mbeere North parliamentary campaigns.
The joint meeting came a day after the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua accused IG Kanja of ignoring threats of violence in Mbeere North by-election campaigns.
Mr Gachagua alleged that there was planned state-sponsored violence during his tour in Mbeere North constituency to lead campaign rallies in support of Democratic Party (DP) candidate, Newton Karish.
He stated that the individuals in a widely circulated video warned him against visiting the constituency from November 16, when he is expected to lead campaign rallies in support of DCP’s candidate, Newton Karish.
The DCP leader claimed that individuals seen threatening him in a widely circulated video were well-known and questioned why the State security authorities had not arrested them.
However, Mr Kobia said NCIC has summoned “those in Mbeere North, who claimed that they were banning some people from stepping there to campaign”. He did not provide names though.
“There is need for candidates to sign a political decency and accountability charter, committing themselves to abide by the law,” added Mr Kobia.
The IEBC urged candidates and voters to uphold constitutional principles of free and fair elections under Article 81 of the Constitution.
"We cannot do this alone," Mr Ethekon said, reiterating IEBC’s collaboration with the National Police Service, NCIC and other agencies to safeguard electoral integrity. "We need Kenyans to embrace peace and allow democracy to prevail."
They pledged close collaboration to safeguard the electoral process and urged candidates and voters to uphold peace.
With only two weeks remaining before the polls, all eyes remain on the IEBC’s ability to deliver credible elections amid heightened political tensions.
