Rights groups urge EACC to probe CSs over state resource misuse in upcoming by-elections

Human rights groups have called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate Cabinet Secretaries and Speakers alleged to be using state resources to influence voters, warning that such actions threaten the integrity of upcoming by-elections.

Speaking on Tuesday during a press conference, Vocal Africa group executive director Hussein Khalid said preliminary findings on the upcoming by-elections show a political climate characterised by violence, heightened tension, and electoral malpractices, including the active deployment of state machinery in campaigns.

“There is an upsurge in electoral-related violence, misuse of state resources by incumbent political actors, open bribery and intimidation of voters and opposing candidates, coupled with slow and inconsistent response by security actors,” he said.

He demanded that any public officer found engaging in partisan politics be declared unfit to hold office. He also warned that weak enforcement of electoral laws and codes of conduct is further undermining public confidence in the polls.

“We appeal to the EACC to investigate any public officer engaging in partisan politics with a view to declaring them unfit to hold office,” he said.

The group also urged the National Police Service to strengthen security in Kasipul and Mbeere North, two areas that have reported multiple violent incidents.

“The police must prioritise active, visible and impartial security presence to deter violence, protect candidates, safeguard campaign agents, and reassure voters,” Hussein said.

The group said addressing these challenges is crucial to restoring public trust and ensuring peaceful participation in the upcoming by-elections.

The voting in 22 by-elections is slated for Thursday, November 27, 2025. Security has been intensified to safeguard the process, with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirming that both uniformed and plainclothes police officers from various departments will be deployed in all zones, particularly in highly volatile areas.

“These elections are a competition, so tensions are bound to rise, and indeed they have already risen, but in terms of security, the arrangements we have put in place across all 22 areas are sufficient. There are police officers in uniform, others not in uniform, and we have involved all security agencies,” Commissioner Alutala Mukhwana said, noting that tensions are normal in competitive elections but security arrangements have been carefully planned.

In Mbeere North, IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, together with other commissioners, held discussions with local security agencies at the constituency offices. The meetings followed claims by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki that opposition operatives were planning to bring in goons to disrupt polling.

In Magarini, returning officer Joseph Mwofondo confirmed that security would be tight, with two police officers stationed at each polling station and more than 50 officers, including the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), deployed at the tallying centre.

He also warned voters against taking photos of ballot papers, amid reports that some politicians were offering incentives to voters in exchange for photographic evidence of their votes.

All presiding officers have also been instructed to ensure that no one enters the voting booth with a phone or takes photos of their voting outcome.

“Such actions are a punishable offence, and security agencies have been tasked to decisively handle any violations,” Mwofondo said.

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