LSK condemns violence in by-elections, warns of gaps ahead of 2027 polls
It has called for immediate deterrent action against perpetrators of election-related violence. It urged the IEBC and security agencies to launch investigations into the incidents and asked the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to swiftly prosecute those found culpable.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has sharply condemned the violence that marred the November 27 by-elections, warning that the unrest signals dangerous gaps in the country’s electoral preparedness ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued on Friday, LSK said it had closely monitored the campaigns and voting in Baringo County, Magarini, Banissa, Mbeere North, Malava, Ugunja and Kasipul constituencies, as well as multiple ward by-elections across the country.
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While noting that the polls were necessary to restore representation in the affected areas, the Society said the contests had taken on the tone of a “high-stakes, do-or-die political battle” between major political formations.
LSK reported receiving multiple accounts of violence and rising political tension during the campaigns, including clashes between rival groups. It warned that such incidents undermined the safety of candidates and voters and violated Article 81 of the Constitution, which requires elections to be free from violence, intimidation, improper influence or corruption.
The Society said the events of the polling day revealed “a worrying level of ill-preparedness” among electoral stakeholders.
"On account of the general mood of the campaign period, and considering its duty to uphold the principles of the electoral system, a legitimate expectation arose upon the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and the national security organs to take precautionary measures to avert any eventualities on the material day of the elections," LSK President Faith Odhiambo said in the statement.
"However, the reports of unbridled violence and unrest during the conduct of the by-elections indicate a worrying level of ill-preparedness on the part of the key Electoral stakeholders, and a lack of political tolerance among the electorate."
LSK singled out Malava Constituency, Kasipul Constituency, Ekerenyo Ward and Kabuchai/Chwele Ward as areas that witnessed particularly severe incidents of violence. It warned that Kenya risks sliding back into political instability if lessons from the Thursday polls are ignored.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, and key constitutional milestones such as boundary delimitation and voter register reforms still pending, the Society said there is “little room for complacency” in strengthening electoral management.
It has called for immediate deterrent action against perpetrators of election-related violence. It urged the IEBC and security agencies to launch investigations into the incidents and asked the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to swiftly prosecute those found culpable.
"We call upon the IEBC and all other election stakeholders, including civil society. security organs, the Judiciary and political parties to urgently engage in all-inclusive election preparedness deliberations to assess the capacity of our institutions to effectively deal with the oncoming General Election and put in place necessary reinforcements.
As this process is undertaken, we call upon the members of the public to remain peaceful and exercise restraint in the expression of political views," the society said.
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