IEBC Chair Erastus Ethekon calls for tougher penalties on election offences
Erustus Ethekon said the country’s elections are anchored in the Constitution, pointing to Article 88, which gives the commission authority to manage every stage of the electoral process.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chair Erastus Ethekon has renewed calls for tougher action against interference with election activities, saying the current penalties are too light to deter misconduct.
Speaking during an interview on Tuesday, Ethekon pushed for changes to the Election Offences Act, noting that the law needs stronger provisions to protect the credibility of upcoming polls.
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Ethekon said the country’s elections are anchored in the Constitution, pointing to Article 88, which gives the commission authority to manage every stage of the electoral process.
He explained that several laws have been put in place over the years to guide how elections run, adding that these laws work together to promote trust and transparency.
The IEBC Chair stressed that new proposals have already been drafted to strengthen areas that require tightening, especially in dealing with individuals who deliberately interfere with election operations.
“There are laws we have proposed for amendment just to make things better. For example, the law on election offences, we want to tighten it. Penalties and punishments should be enhanced for those who interfere with the electoral process,” Ethekon said.
He noted that although the commission is recommending a few changes, he still believes Kenya has one of the most regulated election systems.
According to Ethekon, the push for amendments does not mean there are gaps or serious weaknesses, but reflects a national desire to keep improving the system whenever possible.
“There are laws that have been put in place, and I can confidently say our elections are highly regulated. We have laws governing every activity and every process. Personally, I have no worries, but as Kenyans, we always want to improve things and we always strive to be the best,” Ethekon said.
His remarks come just days after the commission raised concerns about rising tensions in two constituencies ahead of the November 27 by-election.
In a statement released on Friday, November 14, the IEBC listed Kasipul and Mbeere North as areas needing close monitoring after reports of violence, threats and inflammatory comments during campaign activities.
According to the Commission, most voting areas remain calm, but the situation in the two identified constituencies has forced the electoral body to enhance its attention and maintain close coordination with security agencies.
“While campaigns in most areas have been largely peaceful, the three institutions note with concern isolated incidents of violence, intimidation, and inflammatory utterances, particularly in Kasipul and Mbeere North constituencies,” IEBC said in a statement.
Ethekon maintained that strengthening the law and staying alert in volatile regions will help protect the integrity of the upcoming by-election and future national polls.
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