By S, KNA
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) have given a joint assurance that the 24 by-elections set for November 27, 2025 will be conducted peacefully, transparently and in full compliance with the law.
Addressing the media during a joint press briefing in Nairobi on Friday, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the Commission has concluded all major preparations for the by-elections which will take place in 16 wards, six constituencies and the Baringo Senate seat.
He explained that IEBC has appointed returning officers, trained electoral staff and readied all materials required for the exercise.
Ethekon emphasized that the by-elections will serve as the first major test for the newly constituted Commission, which assumed office on July 11, 2025.
He reiterated IEBC’s commitment to delivering peaceful, free, fair, credible, transparent and verifiable polls, stressing that collaborations with security and cohesion agencies were central to this goal.
The IEBC Chair urged political parties and candidates to strictly adhere to the harmonised campaign schedules that were developed through a consultative process and signed by all contenders.
He noted that violations of these schedules had already contributed to tensions in Kasipul, where clashes between rival groups disrupted campaigns.
Ethekon cautioned that the Electoral Code of Conduct, which is anchored in the Elections Act and the Constitution, is binding on all candidates and political parties.
He warned that any breaches will attract penalties ranging from fines to disqualification.
Responding to concerns about the Kasipul incident, the IEBC Chair said the Commission dispatched an investigations team immediately the matter was reported.
He confirmed that the Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee has been empaneled and will begin hearings on Monday to summon candidates and witnesses, review the findings and recommend appropriate action.
He condemned all acts of violence, urging contenders to focus on issue-based campaigns that respect democratic principles.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja assured the public that the security situation across the country is stable, adding that the National Police Service has undertaken comprehensive planning to secure the poll before, during and after election day.
He noted that police officers have already been deployed to monitor campaign activities in all affected areas and provide security to IEBC staff, election materials and candidates.
Kanja said the NPS is actively investigating individuals involved in violence and intimidation, especially in Kasipul, where a number of criminal acts were reported.
He urged suspects who are still at large to present themselves to the police, warning that officers have been tracking the masterminds behind the disruptions.
The IG stated that the NPS will not hesitate to take decisive enforcement action against perpetrators of election-related offences.
The Inspector General called on candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful and lawful manner, noting that maintaining security is a shared responsibility between the police and the public.
NCIC Chairperson Prof. Samuel Kobia said the Commission is monitoring indicators of hate speech, ethnic profiling and incitement to violence in all by-election regions.
He noted that NCIC has already identified several breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct and has summoned individuals believed to have made inflammatory remarks, including those in Bure who attempted to block certain candidates from campaigning.
Prof. Kobia underscored that no Kenyan has the authority to bar another from engaging in lawful political activities anywhere in the country, stressing that such acts undermine national cohesion and democratic freedoms.
He further revealed that NCIC is concerned about the growing presence of organised criminal groups that hire out goons to politicians for disrupting campaigns.
He warned that these networks, which are becoming more visible ahead of the 2027 elections, will face firm action as the NCIC, NPS and IEBC intensify joint operations to curb politically-instigated violence.
Kobia added that all participating candidates will be required to sign a Political Decency and Accountability Charter, affirming their commitment to lawful, respectful and peaceful political engagement throughout the campaign period.