In a bid to ensure orderly elections, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced plans to enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct without favour.
The Commission warned that political goons will not be allowed to interfere with the electoral process as the country heads for the 2027 General Election.
Appearing before the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee (PAC), IEBC Commissioner Moses Alutalala said the commission would apply strict measures at tallying centres by allowing only official agents of candidates to access the centres during elections.
Alutalala said individuals who are not recognised as official agents would not be allowed within 400 metres of tallying centres, adding that the area falls under IEBC's legal mandate.
“We will do what we can on the 400 metres space, which is legally ours, beyond that we are asking our leaders to help us because it is you who brings to us people whom you call super agents,” he said.
The commissioner accused politicians of financing groups that cause chaos during political activities and later shifting blame to the IEBC after disruptions occur.
“All the goons have their bosses, you, the leaders. If you stop paying them, we will end this problem of goonism,” Alutalala said.
“You are telling us to stop them (goons), but when you go back home, you fund them, then blame us.”
He said the growing cases of political violence had become a major concern for the commission, noting that IEBC was already mapping areas considered hotspots for goonism.
Alutalala said the commission would release information on areas where political violence was more common as part of efforts to address the problem.
“We have a code of conduct which must be followed by everyone. We have decided as a commission that we are going to apply it indiscriminately,” Alutalala said.
The remarks came when IEBC officials appeared before PAC, chaired by Butere MP Tindi Mwale, to respond to audit queries from previous financial years.
Members of the committee raised concerns over increasing cases of violence during political meetings, warning that the trend could affect the conduct of peaceful elections.
Teso South MP Mary Emaase urged the commission to ensure only authorised agents of candidates are allowed at tallying centres, warning that political goons could interfere with elections if the issue is not addressed.
Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera, however, accused the commission of applying the law selectively when dealing with political goons, claiming that the agency was favouring one political side.
“The truth is, you are applying the law selectively. Apply the law equally, and we will be okay,” Nabwera said.
During the session, Turkana Central MP Joseph Namuar raised concerns over the impact of political violence, saying, “Juzi opponent wangu alipigwa na goons karibu akufe… Muangalie mahali kuna hotspots ya goons.”
Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo also cited a recent incident linked to political tensions, saying, “Jumamosi na Jumapili tulipoteza mwanafunzi wa KMTC kule Busia kwa sababu ya cheche za kisiasa.”
In response, IEBC said it would continue taking action through enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct. “As a commission, we have agreed to be unprecedented in how to handle the goons, even yourselves as MPs.”
The electoral body also revealed that it was facing a funding gap as it prepares for the 2027 General Election after its proposed Sh74 billion budget was reduced.
PAC chairperson Tindi Mwale questioned the commission on its allocation for the next financial year and whether the funds would be enough for election preparations.
“How much were you allocated in the next financial year, and is it enough?” Mwale posed.
Acting IEBC CEO Ledama Sunkuli told the committee that the commission had received Sh24 billion for the next financial year and had been informed it would receive Sh20 billion in 2028.
“Kulingana na takwimu ya bajeti tuliyopewa ni Sh24 billion. Mwaka wa 2028 tumeambiwa tutapewa Sh20 billion. Lakini ile tumeomba ni Sh74 billion. Tuna upungufu wa bilioni 30 kuandaa uchaguzi,” he said.
The commission officials also faced questions over pending bills after the Auditor General’s report showed that IEBC had outstanding liabilities amounting to Sh3.77 billion.
The report indicated that Sh2.66 billion was owed in legal fees, while Sh1.11 billion related to goods and services. Of the total amount, Sh173.26 million was incurred during the financial year under review.
PAC directed the IEBC management to submit a detailed breakdown of all pending bills, including the names of law firms owed money and the amounts payable to each.
“As a Committee, we want details of all the pending bills, including the names of the law firms and the amounts owed to them. We will scrutinise the report and establish whether Kenyans received value for money,” Mwale said.
Sunkuli assured the committee that the commission would compile the required information and submit the report within two months.
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