DCI boss Mohamed Amin(left), IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon(centre) and IG Douglas Kanja addressing journalists at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi on July 14, 2026.
Aspirants who have already printed campaign posters bearing the logo of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have five days to remove them, the agency has announced.
In an update on preparations for the August 10, 2027 General Election, the commission warned against early campaigns.
“The commission has noted the unauthorised use of its logo on campaign materials. Such use is irregular and unlawful and may falsely imply commission endorsement, thereby infringing on its independence, impartiality and non-partisan status,” the IEBC said.
“Aspirants and political actors are directed to cease such use and remove the offending materials within five days, failing which appropriate action will be taken.”
While leaders are criss-crossing the country holding rallies, the agency said the official campaign has not been declared.
According to the IEBC, campaigns for the 2027 General Election will begin upon the registration of a candidate by the commission, but not earlier than May 29, 2027. The campaigns will end on August 7, 2027.
“Any campaigning outside this prescribed period is unlawful. This includes posters, caravans, billboards and other forms,” it said.
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chair Erastus Edung (center) flanked by fellow commissioners address the media at the commission offices in Nairobi on January 27, 2026.
“Parties, candidates and their supporters are urged to adhere to the law. The commission will take appropriate action against violation of the electoral laws and regulations,”
It also warned politicians against turning funerals and places of worship into campaign venues, saying it would activate the Electoral Code of Conduct against violators.
Churches and burials have been a fertile ground for campaigning as they have crowds. In places of worship, political leaders are usually given an opportunity to address congregations, providing them with a chance to sell their agenda.
Some churches such as Anglican and Catholic have banned the use of their pulpits for politics, only allowing leaders to address the masses outside after service.
“Persons bound by the Electoral Code of Conduct shall, throughout an election period, refrain from campaigning in places of worship or during burial ceremonies,” the commission said.
“Persistent or serious non-compliance may result in prohibition from participating in ongoing or future elections. In cases involving violence, intimidation or gross and systematic violations, the commission may move the High Court for appropriate orders, including cancellation of the right to participate in the election.”
The Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Erastus Edung Ethekon (left) with his deputy Fahima Araphat Abdallah and other delegates during the launch of the IEBC Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and Election Operations Plan 2025–2027 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on June 24, 2026.
IEBC Chairman Erastus Ethekon said his team is employing a multi-sectoral approach to ensure the General Election takes place peacefully.
“The commission is proactively working towards strengthening coordination among security and justice actors to ensure a peaceful and secure environment. This approach is vital for ensuring peaceful elections, enhancing the capacity of our officials and efficiently enforcing the law,” the commission said.
IEBC has been criticised for not acting on leaders accused of sponsoring violence.
Mr Ethekon said the constitutional timelines for the roadmap to the 2027 elections must be observed.
“Adherence to the set timelines is non-negotiable. These are ... legally binding requirements essential to the orderly and credible conduct of the electoral process,” it said.
The IEBC has, for instance, set February 10, 2027 as the deadline for public officers who intend to contest in the General Election to resign.
According to the timelines, parties must have their nomination rules certified by the Registrar of Political Parties by October 30, 2026 and submit the same to the IEBC by November 6.
For 2027, the commission said it is targeting to have 28.5 million registered voters, an increase of 6.4 million from the 2022 list.
The number of diaspora voters is now 2.9 million, with the commission saying it expanded voter registration for citizens abroad from 12 to 26 countries.
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