IEBC calls for joint effort to avert 2027 election violence

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has called for closer collaboration among security agencies, political actors, communities and other stakeholders to prevent violence and protect the integrity of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in Mombasa with less than a year to the elections, the IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the country was entering a critical period in which public confidence in electoral institutions, political competition and democratic participation would be tested.

Mr Ethekon noted that the Commission is implementing its election operation plan, with voter registration ongoing and preparations for electoral operations, technology, personnel and stakeholder engagement progressing.

“Preparedness must also be measured by the confidence of a first-time voter, the safety of a woman seeking office and the assurance that political competition will be governed by law. Electoral security begins long before polling day and continues after results are declared,” he said, during an Election Security Arrangement Programme meeting.

The Commission also said timely funding and coordinated institutional support would be critical to ensuring it delivers a credible, inclusive and transparent election in which every eligible Kenyan can participate freely and every valid vote is counted.

The Election Security Arrangement Programme (ESAP) brings together the IEBC, National Police Service, investigative and prosecutorial agencies, oversight bodies and other partners. According to the Commission, ESAP is designed to strengthen joint risk assessments, early-warning mechanisms, coordinated responses and investigations into electoral offences.

The initiative is intended to prevent violence throughout the electoral cycle, including during voter registration, political party nominations, campaigns, voting and the tallying of results.

The IEBC Chairperson said Mombasa was particularly important because of its diverse population and its economic significance as a centre of port activities, tourism, trade and small businesses.

“When insecurity disrupts daily life, livelihoods suffer and families bear the cost,” Mr Ethekon said, calling for electoral security discussions to extend beyond institutions and reach neighbourhoods, markets, places of worship, learning institutions and digital spaces.

The Commission also placed young people at the centre of efforts to promote peaceful elections, warning against attempts to recruit them into intimidation or organised violence. Mr Ethekon said emerging threats, including misinformation, incitement, manipulated digital content and the misuse of artificial intelligence, could escalate tensions rapidly.

The IEBC called for joint training, scenario planning, accessible reporting mechanisms and timely public communication to strengthen preparedness.

The Commission further stressed that electoral security must balance public safety with constitutional freedoms, including the rights to lawful assembly, expression and political participation.

It called for equal protection for voters, candidates and political parties, saying violence, intimidation and incitement should be addressed impartially regardless of the individuals or groups responsible.

“Public confidence grows when institutions demonstrate fairness consistently,” he added.

Security chiefs were asked to agree on three key commitments which included shared assessment of local electoral risks, clearly defined institutional responsibilities and escalation procedures, and effective early-warning and rapid response mechanisms.

The Commission said the commitments should guide joint training, community engagement and coordinated protection of electoral personnel, materials and facilities.

The IEBC also issued separate appeals to political leaders, the media, security agencies, development partners and voters. Political leaders were urged to compete on ideas and reject violence, while media organisations and digital communicators were encouraged to verify information and responsibly address false claims.

Security and justice institutions were urged to uphold professionalism, impartiality and accountability, while development partners were asked to support preparations early and complement national funding.

Eligible Kenyans, meanwhile, were encouraged to register as voters, participate in the electoral process and safeguard their freedom to choose.

The Chairperson reaffirmed the IEBC’s commitment to independence, openness and the faithful discharge of its constitutional mandate.

The IEBC said its ultimate objective was to ensure that no Kenyan fears participating in the 2027 General Election.

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