The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against campaigning outside the legally prescribed period for the 2027 General Election.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the official campaign period will begin once candidates are registered by the Commission, but not earlier than May 29, 2027.
Campaigns will end on August 7, 2027, 48 hours before Election Day.
Ethekon warned that any form of campaigning outside the prescribed period would be unlawful.
He said the ban covers the display of campaign posters and billboards, political caravans and other forms of electioneering.
“The law prescribes when election campaigns may commence,” Ethekon said, urging political parties, candidates and their supporters to strictly comply with the electoral laws and regulations.
The IEBC chairperson said the Commission would take appropriate action against anyone found to have violated the rules.
The warning comes as Kenya's political activity continues to intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election, with politicians increasingly holding rallies and other public events across the country.
The Commission has previously outlined May 29, 2027, as the start of the official campaign period, with campaigns scheduled to end on August 7, ahead of the August 10 General Election.
Ethokon said the Commission may impose sanctions for violations of the Electoral Code of Conduct, including formal warnings, fines and restrictions on the use of public media allocated for electoral purposes.
Other penalties include prohibiting offenders from holding public meetings, demonstrations or marches, restricting them from entering specified electoral areas for campaigning, and limiting or banning the erection of posters and banners or the distribution of campaign materials.
Ethekon warned that persistent or serious violations could result in a person or political party being barred from participating in ongoing or future elections.
In cases involving violence, intimidation, or gross and systematic violations, he said the Commission could move to the High Court seeking appropriate orders, including the cancellation of the offender's right to participate in the next election.
During the campaign period, the Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee will be fully operational to address breaches.
The IEBC chairperson further reminded all persons bound by the Electoral Code of Conduct to refrain from campaigning in places of worship or during burial ceremonies throughout the election period.
“All political parties, candidates and other participants are therefore reminded that violations will attract the full sanctions provided by law,” he said.
