The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has highlighted growing challenges in Kenya’s electoral process, citing interference by politicians and declining participation in the November 27 by-elections.
At a stakeholder meeting in Nairobi yesterday, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon detailed incidents of voter intimidation, bribery, disruptions at polling stations, and assaults on election officials, calling the trends a serious threat to the democratic process.
“We need to ask ourselves as Kenyans, is IEBC the problem or there is a problem somewhere else? Even where political parties and their candidates scare voters, they blame IEBC,” Ethekon said, pointing to falling turnout, especially among young voters. He noted that participation has steadily dropped over the years, from 78.9 per cent in 2017 to 64.4 per cent in 2022, highlighting a deepening problem of voter apathy.
The commission chair condemned attempts by political actors to sway election officials. “There was an attempt by political actors to influence election officials. We said that we will serve this county without fear and without favouritism,” he said, stressing that any effort to bribe or intimidate IEBC staff would not be tolerated.
“If you did your campaigns well and chest-thumped that you are very popular, why do you want to harass our presiding officers and returning officers? You want to secure an illegitimate victory,” he added.
Ethekon urged political parties and candidates to respect the electoral process and accept results instead of trying to force outcomes. He also condemned violence and vandalism in six polling stations, noting that such actions disrupted voting and put both officials and the public at risk.
Politicians who showed up at tallying centers with large groups were singled out for creating chaos, especially in smaller polling stations.
IEBC Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein Marjan said the by-elections tested the commission’s preparedness and operational strategies, including technology use and stakeholder engagement.
“Despite the success, this election also highlighted various issues that require attention. Voter apathy, logistical challenges, misinformation and isolated security incidences reminded us that the electoral management is a continuous learning process,” she said.
The commission reported receiving nine complaints over candidates cleared to run in the by-elections. Of these, six were resolved, while three were referred to the courts for further action.
