The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chair Erastus Edung Ethekon has raised concerns over attempts by some political actors to interfere with electoral officials during the recent by-elections.
Speaking on Monday, December 8, he said the commission is committed to serving the country impartially and warned that intimidation of officials threatens the credibility of the electoral process.
Ethekon said the behaviour of some politicians was unnecessary, especially for those confident in their campaigns.
"We said we would serve this country without fear or favour. We witnessed attempts by political actors to try and influence our electoral officials. Sometimes I wonder what value it adds; if you have conducted your campaign properly, why do you have to harass our officers?" he posed.
Ethekon also made it clear that the structure of Kenya’s electoral system makes rigging impossible, adding that observers and the media can confirm the integrity of the process.
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"It is high time political actors understand that stealing an election in this country is impossible. Our officers, observers, and the media who witnessed these elections can confirm that it cannot be done," he added.
Notably, weighing in on the by-elections, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi said the contests offered an important opportunity for participants to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses ahead of future polls.
In a statement on Friday, November 28, the MP explained that the lessons drawn from the exercise will determine how different parties and candidates perform in the 2027 General Election.
Amisi also defended the integrity of the electoral system, dismissing claims that elections can be manipulated in Kenya.
"This by election has provided a good moment to learn and correct. Those who will learn will win next election, those who will continue arguing will lose and life will go on. Our IEBC system is perfect. Do not buy the misguided notion that you can steal elections in Kenya," he said.
However, on the other hand, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna condemned the violence reported during the by-elections, describing the day as one of the worst in recent years.
In a statement on Thursday, November 27, he accused the security command of failing to protect voters and candidates, saying the chaos witnessed in Kabuchai, Malava and Kasipul pointed to serious lapses.
As such, Sifuna stated that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen should take responsibility for the violence witnessed.
"Today has to be one of the bloodiest election days in recent history. All the violence being witnessed across the country, from Kabuchai to Malava to Kasipul, points either to incompetence within the security command or to their outright involvement in planning and executing it.
"Murkomen and his team must take responsibility for failing to secure the safety of all involved," he said.
