The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) party leader Eugene Wamalwa has faulted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chair Erastus Ethekon after he said stealing elections in Kenya is an impossibility.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, December 11, Wamalwa said Ethekon’s remarks have already been contradicted by the recent by-election.
Wamalwa noted that reports from election observers indicate that the mini-polls held on November 27, 2025, were not free and fair.
“I was very surprised on Monday listening to Chairman Ethekon saying that elections cannot be stolen in Kenya, it’s an impossibility. Is he a stranger in Jerusalem?
“This position has already been contradicted by very credible observers who participated in the by-elections, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission and ELOG,” said Wamalwa.
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The DAP-K party leader alleged that the by-elections were rigged in favour of government-sponsored candidates.
“The just concluded elections were not free and fair; they were heavily rigged in favour of state-sponsored candidates, and it was tainted by violence mostly from goons backed by the police, intimidation and corruption,” he added.
Further, Wamalwa demanded that action be taken against individuals who orchestrated violence in Malava constituency.
“We are demanding immediate action against the perpetrators of these electoral offences, like in the case of Malava… there were leaders who are known who led the goons who participated in organising the violence,” Wamalwa stated.
On Monday, November 8, Ethekon defended the credibility of the recent by-elections, asserting that election theft in Kenya is an impossibility.
The IEBC Chair, who was speaking during a post-election debrief with stakeholders, said the structure of Kenya’s electoral system makes rigging impossible.
"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," Ethekon stated.
He also raised concerns over attempts by some political actors to interfere with electoral officials during the recent by-elections.
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.
