Human rights groups give IEBC, EACC 14 days to address by-election malpractice
Human rights and observer groups have given IEBC and EACC 14 days to act on voter bribery, intimidation and violence in recent by-elections, warning of a lawsuit and risks to the 2027 polls.
Human rights groups have given the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) 14 days to act on electoral violations witnessed during the recent by-elections, warning that legal action will follow if no steps are taken.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Vocal Africa, a rights advocacy group, said rampant cases of voter bribery, intimidation and violence went unchecked, casting doubt on the credibility of the polls.
The group announced that if no corrective measures are taken within two weeks, they will proceed to file a lawsuit against both institutions.
Vocal Africa Executive Director Khalid Hussein called for the resignation of cabinet secretaries and state officers who campaigned for candidates aligned with the government, arguing their actions compromised the fairness of the elections.
“The polls were neither free nor fair,” Hussein said, pointing to widespread violence, voter intimidation, and bribery, coupled with inaction by IEBC and EACC.
He warned that failing to act now could destabilise the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Election Observation Group (ELOG) also flagged serious concerns over electoral integrity during the November 27 by-elections.
ELOG officer Mule Musau highlighted repeated instances of electoral violence, harassment and political interference across Kasipul, Malava, Mbeere North, Nairobi and Machakos.
Observers in Kariobangi North reported being blocked by crowds demanding cash, while long-term monitors noted open voter bribery and undue influence during campaigns.
“The distribution of relief goods such as blankets constitutes voter bribery under Kenyan law,” Musau said, referencing Section 9 of the Electoral Offences Act, which imposes fines up to Sh2 million or six years’ imprisonment for offering or accepting bribes during elections.
ELOG further criticised the presence of senior public officials using state resources to influence campaigns, terming it a serious threat to the impartiality of the electoral process. Observers also recorded unauthorised access to polling stations in Kasipul, Malava and Mbeere North, undermining ballot secrecy.
“Some individuals, including political party super agents, moved between polling stations despite IEBC’s accreditation requirements,” Musau added.
The observer group urged IEBC to strengthen safeguards for future elections, enforce ballot secrecy and take firm action against violators.
The IEBC has officially announced the winners of 24 by-elections held across select regions, conducted to fill vacancies created by the deaths of officeholders or cabinet appointments. The parliamentary and ward-level contests drew nationwide attention, as parties sought to consolidate influence and gauge voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Top Stories Today
