By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 27 November 2025 - The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a sharp rebuke over incidents of violence and disruptions reported during Thursday’s by-elections, warning that those behind the chaos, including political actors , will be held personally accountable.
In a statement, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the Commission was “gravely concerned” by cases of voter intimidation, obstruction of polling officials, and interference with voting and counting processes in some constituencies.
He said the incidents violate Article 81(e) of the Constitution, which guarantees elections free from violence and intimidation, and undermine Article 86, which demands accuracy, transparency, and accountability in the electoral process.
The Commission noted that such conduct also breaches the Elections Act, the Election Offences Act, and the Elections (General) Regulations, all of which outlaw any behaviour that disrupts orderly voting.
Ethekon expressed particular alarm at reports implicating certain politicians and public figures in actions that inflamed tensions, describing their conduct as “unlawful, irresponsible, and totally unacceptable.”
As the voting phase closed and tallying commenced, the Commission announced strict access rules for polling stations and tallying centres. Only IEBC officials, accredited agents, observers, assigned security, and accredited media will be allowed entry. “Tallying centres are protected areas. No unauthorized persons will be admitted,” IEBC said.
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The Commission urged security officers deployed in the by-election areas to maintain heightened vigilance, respond swiftly to any disturbances, and ensure peaceful counting, verification, and declaration of results.
It further called on the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate all incidents of election-related violence and bring offenders to justice.
At the administrative level, IEBC said its Elections Code of Conduct Committee will handle complaints related to breaches of electoral laws and the Code of Conduct. Despite the tensions in a few hotspots, the Commission commended Kenyans for conducting themselves peacefully in most polling centres, noting that the majority of voters exercised their democratic right responsibly.
IEBC assured the country that it remains fully committed to a credible and lawful conclusion of the by-election process, promising to release the final results once tallying is complete.
