By-election candidates risk suspension as IEBC warns against violence

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned candidates participating in the November 27 by-elections that they risk campaign suspension if they breach the Electoral Code of Conduct, amid rising incidents of violence in parts of the country.

In a statement issued Friday alongside the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the electoral body cited escalating tensions in Kasipul and Mbeere North, where cases of violence, intimidation and inflammatory utterances have been reported.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon said the Commission will not hesitate to invoke the enforcement measures available under the law, including barring candidates or political parties from campaigning where threats to peace are evident.

"While campaigns in most areas have been largely peaceful, the three institutions note with concern isolated incidents of violence, intimidation, and inflammatory utterances, particularly in Kasipul and Mbeere North constituencies," Ethekon stated.

The IEBC further announced that its Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee will sit throughout the campaign period to hear and determine any complaints of misconduct.

The electoral body underscored that preparations for the by-elections across 22 electoral areas remain on schedule, noting that it had already completed recruitment and training of polling officials, deployed logistics teams, and commenced dispatch of election materials.

IEBC also reaffirmed its commitment to delivering “peaceful, transparent, and credible by-elections that reflect the will of the people and uphold the integrity of Kenya’s democratic institutions.”

Similarly, the institutions appealed to candidates and political outfits to “conduct peaceful campaigns and strictly adhere to their campaign schedules and the Electoral Code of Conduct,” while urging security agencies to continue maintaining law and order professionally.

Voters in the affected areas were encouraged to turn out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right freely and peacefully.”

Two people died and several others were injured following clashes between supporters of two Kasipul parliamentary by-election candidates during a political rally early this month.

According to police reports, the confrontation occurred at Opondo area in Central Kasipul Ward when supporters of independent candidate Phillip Aroko and ODM’s Boyd Were engaged in violent skirmishes.

Police said the chaos erupted after Aroko and his supporters allegedly stormed Were’s campaign venue and fired shots into the air, sparking panic and violence.

As Were went to report the incident at Oyugis Police Station, his supporters retaliated against Aroko’s team, leading to the fatal hacking of two youths aged 26, both supporters of Aroko.

In Mbeere North, Embu County, the Security Committee issued a stern warning on Thursday to individuals plotting to disrupt peace ahead of the by-election slated for November 27.

County Commissioner Jack Obuo, who chairs the committee, said the area has largely enjoyed peaceful campaigns since candidates were cleared by the IEBC. However, he raised concerns over the circulation of recent social media clips showing individuals issuing threats of violence.