Editor's Review

Abdallah stated that the Commission would invoke the Electoral Code of Conduct to punish politicians engaged in early campaigns.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned politicians against conducting early campaigns ahead of the August 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Tuesday, September 9, IEBC Vice Chairperson Fahima Abdallah reminded politicians that the Commission set the campaign period to run from May 29, 2027, to August 7, 2027.

Abdallah stated that the Commission would invoke the Electoral Code of Conduct to punish politicians who infringe the set guidelines.

"The Commission will enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct, imposing sanctions including fines, restrictions from public media, prohibition from public meetings and restrictions from specified areas,” she stated.

The Vice Chairperson also warned politicians against the use of goons or armed gangs during campaigns that they risk being sanctioned by IEBC.

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A file photo of IEBC Vice chairperson Fahima Abdallah

"The Commission has demonstrated resolve by sanctioning candidates with significant fines and warning that further breaches will attract disqualification or result cancellation. We will take decisive action against any actor, regardless of political standing,” she said.

Abdallah noted that the campaign period is the most volatile in the election cycle. However, she assured Kenyans that the elections will happen in a peaceful environment.

She intimated that IEBC plans to train 200,000 police officers and its staff on election rules and public order management, strengthened regulations, enhanced coherence of investigations and prosecutions, and integrated early warning and response schemes.

On his part, Commissioner Hassan Noor confirmed that the Commission was reviewing election security progress, identifying gaps and strengthening its approach ahead of the 2027 polls.

"Recent by-elections taught us that political competition can rapidly escalate into violence. We must conduct thorough risk assessments and deploy proactive security measures. The Commission will not tolerate violence, intimidation or interference. Let us work together to ensure the 2027 elections are free, fair, peaceful and credible,” Hassan said.

Earlier, National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung'wah, told the members of the United Opposition to keep off the IEBC.

Ichung'wah claimed that some Opposition Leaders were attacking IEBC because they were locked out of the Commission's lucrative tenders.

He told leaders with issues with the procurement processes at the electoral body should follow due process to challenge them.