The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a stern warning to candidates participating in the November 27 by-elections, cautioning that campaign suspension may follow any breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct amid rising incidents of violence.
In a joint statement with the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) on Friday, the agencies highlighted escalating tensions in Kasipul and Mbeere North constituencies, where cases of intimidation, violent confrontations, and inflammatory remarks have been reported. The bodies condemned these acts as violations of the Electoral Code of Conduct, emphasizing their threat to peace, tolerance, and national unity.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon stated, “While campaigns in most areas have been largely peaceful, we are concerned about isolated incidents of violence, intimidation, and inflammatory utterances, particularly in Kasipul and Mbeere North. The Electoral Code of Conduct empowers the Commission to prohibit a political party or candidate from campaigning where violations or threats to peace are evident, with sanctions applied under the relevant legal framework.”
The Commission further confirmed that its Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee will remain active throughout the campaign period to review and address complaints of misconduct. Preparations for the by-elections across 22 electoral areas remain on schedule, with polling officials recruited and trained, logistics teams deployed, and election materials dispatched.
The agencies called on candidates and political parties to conduct campaigns peacefully, adhere strictly to schedules, and comply with the Electoral Code of Conduct, while urging security personnel to maintain law and order professionally. Voters were encouraged to participate freely and exercise their democratic rights without fear.
The warning follows a violent incident earlier this month in Kasipul, where clashes between supporters of independent candidate Phillip Aroko and ODM’s Boyd Were resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries. According to police reports, the confrontation erupted when Aroko’s supporters allegedly disrupted Were’s campaign event, firing shots into the air and provoking retaliation that led to the fatal attack on two 26-year-old Aroko supporters.
In Mbeere North, Embu County, the Security Committee also issued a warning against individuals planning to disrupt the electoral process. County Commissioner Jack Obuo, chair of the committee, noted that campaigns had largely been peaceful but expressed concern over recent social media posts showing threats of violence.
The IEBC reaffirmed its commitment to delivering transparent, credible, and peaceful by-elections that uphold the integrity of Kenya’s democratic institutions.
