Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has raised concerns over rising political violence and the influence of money in elections.
Ethokon has warned that the country cannot conduct credible polls in an environment characterised by intimidation, lawlessness and insecurity.
Ethekon said lessons from recent by-elections had exposed troubling trends that threaten the integrity of Kenya's electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the launch of the IEBC Strategic Plan 2025-2029 and the Election Operations Plan 2025-2027, the commission chairperson said IEBC had witnessed cases where politicians mobilised and armed groups of youths with crude weapons during election periods under the guise of protecting votes.
"Fresh from wherever we came from, we were confronted with the challenge of conducting 30 by-elections, and we have learnt something, and that something is sad. The relationship between our politics, violence and money is making our work difficult as IEBC," Ethekon said.
"There is this inclination for politicians to bring in young people, arm them with crude weapons, and feed them during that season to protect their votes. I don't know from whom. Nobody complained that we are stealing anyone's vote, but they are protecting their votes from one another," he said.
According to Ethekon, clashes between rival groups have resulted in deaths and injuries, citing incidents witnessed during the recent Kasipul parliamentary by-election.
He said the commission had already taken action against electoral malpractices and would continue working with stakeholders to curb violence and safeguard the integrity of future elections.
"We call upon area stakeholders and security agencies to do their bit and protect the elections. We can plan everything, this strategic plan can speak of beautiful things, but if the environment within which we hold elections is intoxicated, violent and unbearable, we cannot have an election," Ethekon warned.
The remarks came as the commission unveiled its Strategic Plan and Election Operations Plan, documents that will guide preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Ethekon said the plans had been informed by lessons from previous electoral cycles, court decisions, election observation reports, post-election evaluations and stakeholder engagements.
"I wish to assure all Kenyans that the Commission has listened to your expectations. We have reflected on lessons from previous electoral cycles and carefully considered recommendations from election observation missions, court decisions, post-election evaluations and stakeholder engagements," he said.
He pledged that the commission would protect the integrity of the electoral process, safeguard the secrecy of the ballot and uphold the sovereign will of the people.
"When the story of the 2027 General Election is written, we desire that Kenyans will say their Electoral Commission prepared diligently, acted impartially, rose to the occasion and faithfully discharged its constitutional mandate," he said.
The IEBC Strategic Plan is anchored on the theme, "Inclusion and Participation in Deepening Democracy in Kenya" under the slogan "Your Vote, Your Voice – Kura Yako, Sauti Yako."
According to Ethekon, the strategy seeks to build a credible, trusted and responsive electoral management body capable of delivering inclusive, transparent, efficient and accountable electoral processes.
The commission identified four strategic priorities that will guide its work over the next five years: effective management of elections, citizen engagement and participation, equitable representation, and strengthened institutional governance.
Ethekon emphasised that credible elections require collective effort and cannot be achieved by the commission alone.
"The success of any election is not the responsibility of the Commission alone. Democracy is a shared responsibility. Political parties, candidates, state institutions, the media, civil society, development partners and citizens all have a vital role to play."
He said the launch of the Strategic Plan and Election Operations Plan marked the beginning of a deliberate and transparent journey toward the 2027 General Election, reaffirming the commission's commitment to accountability, institutional preparedness and the protection of the will of Kenyan voters.
