The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has reaffirmed its tough stance against violations of the electoral code of conduct, saying action was taken against several individuals who breached the rules during the Ol Kalou by-election.
IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu said several people were summoned before the Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee after being found to have violated electoral regulations.
Some were fined and warned, while others moved to court to challenge the committee’s decisions.
“In Ol Kalou, we summoned several people who breached the code of conduct. We took them through the process; we fined and warned them and did what the Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee is expected to do by law,” Nderitu said.
Nderitu said the action taken in Ol Kalou demonstrates that the commission will not tolerate violations of electoral regulations as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
She said IEBC is also strengthening its security systems to prevent electoral malpractice, violence and disorder during the upcoming election.
The commissioner further explained the role of police officers deployed to polling and tallying centres, saying they operate as electoral officials during an election and work under the command of the respective returning officers.
“When we are dealing with polling stations, we train the police officers and brief them as electoral officials,” she said.
Her remarks come after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua raised concerns about alleged attempts to interfere with the vote during the Ol Kalou by-election.
Gachagua urged residents to protect their votes at polling stations from what he described as “armed goons.”
However, IEBC Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan dismissed the allegations, expressing confidence in the security arrangements deployed at polling stations.
The commission maintains that its priority is to ensure every vote is protected, counted and credited to the rightful candidate.
“Where your vote is, is where it will be counted,” Nderitu said.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, IEBC says enforcement of the electoral code, enhanced security and proper training of election officials will remain central to ensuring a free, fair and credible election.
