IEBC’s false start as ELOG flags integrity concerns in November 27 by-elections

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) faces a troubling and inauspicious start after its commissioners were recently sworn into office after the Elections Observation Group (ELOG) delivered a damning assessment of the November 27 by-elections, raising sharp concerns over the credibility of the polls.

What was intended to be a routine set of constituency and ward contests has instead reignited national anxieties about the country’s electoral preparedness, institutional impartiality, and the resilience of Kenya’s democratic processes barely two years before the 2027 General Election.

ELOG’s preliminary report paints a picture of widespread and systematic irregularities cutting across several counties.

According to the observer mission, the by-elections were marred by an array of malpractices, including organised voter bribery, coordinated intimidation of voters and candidates, breaches of ballot secrecy, and the strategic deployment of disinformation campaigns both online and on the ground. While isolated electoral offences are not new to Kenya, the breadth and simultaneity of the violations flagged by ELOG signal deeper structural and operational weaknesses within the IEBC.

One of the most concerning issues highlighted was voter bribery, allegedly executed openly in several polling stations with little intervention from security agencies or electoral officials.

Such incidents undermine the principle of free choice and erode citizens’ confidence in the fairness of the vote. ELOG’s observers reported that cash handouts, distribution of goods, and mobilisation of “influencers” to direct voters were prevalent an indication that political actors remain confident they can subvert electoral processes with minimal consequences.

“Across the 22 electoral areas observed, polling stations were generally well-prepared, opened on time, and adhered to procedural requirements during voting, closing, and counting…However, ELOG also observed verified cases of electoral violence, intimidation, and voter inducement,” ELOG said.

Equally worrying were reports of voter intimidation, particularly in areas experiencing heightened political rivalry.

Instances ranged from the presence of organised groups at polling stations to threats against supporters of particular candidates. These actions, according to ELOG, created an atmosphere of fear, compromising the foundational value of free participation.

Breaches of ballot secrecy constituted another major red flag.

Several polling stations reportedly permitted voters to cast ballots in a manner visible to others or allowed party agents undue proximity to voting booths. Such violations not only contravene the Elections Act but also diminish trust in the secrecy and integrity of the ballot, an essential safeguard in any credible election.

The report further noted sophisticated disinformation campaigns aimed at influencing voter perceptions, delegitimising opponents, and sowing confusion about election procedures. With social media now deeply embedded in Kenya’s political landscape, coordinated digital manipulation poses a growing threat that the IEBC appears ill-prepared to counter.

IEBC’s muted or delayed response to these concerns has only deepened public scepticism. Critics argue that the commission continues to struggle with internal cohesion, operational efficiency, and enforcement of electoral laws.

The absence of swift disciplinary action, public accountability, or visible corrective measures gives the impression of institutional inertia at a time when electoral credibility demands demonstrable vigilance.

For Kenya, the implications are far-reaching. If the electoral body cannot guarantee credible, peaceful by-elections involving limited geographical areas and smaller logistical demands, the stakes for a nationwide General Election become even more daunting.

ELOG’s findings should therefore serve as a wake-up call, not merely to the IEBC but to political parties, security agencies, and Parliament, which bears legislative responsibility over electoral frameworks.

Strengthening enforcement mechanisms, enhancing transparency, investing in digital monitoring, and curbing political interference must become urgent priorities.

The November 27 by-elections were a test and by most measures, Kenya’s electoral system stumbled. Whether the IEBC can course-correct before 2027 now remains the country’s looming democratic question.