CJ Koome urges Parliament to fast-track electoral reforms, warns against political violence ahead of 2027 polls

Chief Justice Martha Koome during the launch of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's (IEBC) Strategic Plan 2024-2029 and Election Operations Plan at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on June 24, 2026. (Photo: X/Judiciary Kenya)

By Carolyne Kubwa
Wednesday, June 24, 2026

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Koome also expressed concern over what she described as growing incidents of political violence, intimidation, hate speech, incitement and the use of criminal gangs to disrupt political activities.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on Parliament to urgently enact proposed electoral reform laws, warning that legal uncertainty, political violence, and weak enforcement of electoral rules could undermine public confidence in Kenya's democratic processes ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during the launch of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission's (IEBC) Strategic Plan 2024-2029 and Election Operations Plan at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Wednesday, Koome said strengthening the country's electoral legal framework was critical to ensuring credible, peaceful, and inclusive elections.

The Chief Justice revealed that the Judiciary Committee on Elections (JCE), the IEBC and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties had jointly submitted the Elections Law (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to Parliament.

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Koome also expressed concern over what she described as growing incidents of political violence, intimidation, hate speech, incitement and the use of criminal gangs to disrupt political activities.

"These developments pose a serious threat not only to peaceful elections but also to the constitutional values of democracy, human dignity, political freedom and the rule of law," she warned.

The Chief Justice challenged the IEBC to firmly enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct, saying warnings without consequences were no longer sufficient.

"The time for warnings without consequences must come to an end. Kenyans expect a level political playing field where all actors are held to the same standards," she said.

Koome further urged the electoral commission to embrace technology while ensuring adequate safeguards on data protection, cybersecurity and transparency.

She said the success of the IEBC's strategic plan would ultimately be measured by the level of public trust it inspires and its ability to deliver free, fair, peaceful and credible elections.