By-elections a credibility test for poll agency

An IEBC official inspecting election material at Malava Boys high school on November 25,2025 in readiness for Malava parliamentary seat by-election on Thursday 27,2025.[Benjamin Sakwa/ Standard] The by-elections that will be held on Thursday,will be a litmus test for the newly reconstituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The manner in which the mini polls will be conducted will either inspire or erode the confidence of Kenyans in the electoral agency. With 24 electoral units and 181 candidates cleared to run for the vacant seats, these are not ordinary by-elections. Besides, going by the heated campaigns that have been witnessed in some areas, it is clear that the stakes are high and the by-elections are a dress-rehearsal for the 2027 political contest, with the government and the Opposition keen to flex their political muscles. It therefore goes without saying that the by-elections will not be without lingering issues. Already, there are claims of voter bribery and intimidation in places such as Malava, Magarini and Mbeere North constituencies. The most serious allegation against IEBC has come from Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua who has claimed that an IEBC official was colluding with political factions to influence the outcome of the Magarini by-election. While IEBC has rubbished these claims and assured voters that the election process will be free and fair, little has been done to thoroughly investigate the allegations and address the concerns raised by Mr Gachagua and the said official is still presiding over the by-election. In addition, the electoral body has not moved with speed to investigate the allegations of voter bribery and intimidation. Moreover, incidents of violence witnessed in some electoral units clearly threaten the credibility of the polls. It was worrying to watch Gachagua's meeting in Narok being disrupted on Monday by police who attempted to block him from addressing supporters. The involvement of security officers raised a lot of questions about the neutrality of State agencies in managing the electoral process. The fact that the violence seems to be targeting mostly the Opposition leaders leaves a lot to be desired. Similar violence was recently witnessed in Malava Constituency where the convoy of opposition politicians, led by Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, was pelted with stones leaving a trail of destruction and some people injured. In Kasipul in Homa Bay County, there have been violent confrontations that have left two people dead and scores injured. Despite IEBC fining two candidates Sh1 million each, violence in the campaigns has persisted, raising questions about IEBC's ability to enforce electoral rules and regulations. Indeed, the spate of violence and allegations of IEBC's partiality are worrying indicators that the credibility of the elections could be at stake. What's more, the fact that IEBC is already in the eye of a storm following reports that it hurriedly cleared United Democratic Alliance's candidate Leonard wa Muthende, to contest for Mbeere North by-election despite reservations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission concerning his integrity, raises pertinent questions about the electoral body's credibility. Over the years, Kenyans have had little faith in the country's electoral process due to questionable conduct of the electoral body. This has in the past led to post-election violence. IEBC has a chance to restore Kenyans' faith today. Mr Nandiemo is a teacher and freelance writer. vnandiemo@gmail.com

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