A high-level IEBC stakeholders meeting to take stock of the November 27th by-elections erupted into chaos Tuesday as observers, candidates, and media representatives recounted chilling episodes of violence, voter intimidation, and alleged bribery during the polls.
The meeting, convened by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and supported by The Centre for Multiparty Democracy, was intended to evaluate the conduct of elections across 22 constituencies. Instead, it became a tense session of public lamentation as stakeholders shared accounts of organized terror and threats to their safety.
Candidates and observers said their lives remain at risk months after the polls, accusing armed gangs of storming polling stations, threatening voters, and attempting to influence election officials. Several witnesses said the violence disproportionately affected women and other vulnerable groups.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja dismissed claims of collusion between security agencies and political actors, assuring participants that such “goons” have no space under his leadership.
“As for the goons, as you have said, they have no space under my watch. We are not going to allow it—not under my watch,” IG Kanja said.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethuukon rejected allegations of vote rigging and maintained that the November elections were conducted legally.
“To steal an election in this country is impossible,” Ethuukon said.
Despite these assurances, the forum grew heated as candidates, winners and losers, observers, and journalists recounted harrowing incidents before, during, and after voting.
Kabuchai MCA Eric Wekesa, whose victory was announced post-poll, said:
“As I talk, even after voting and winning, I couldn’t go home. After being announced winner, my family couldn’t access my home… and we are here pretending this goonism is a play.”
UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala alleged complicity within the police service:
“The head of these goons are the police service, that’s the truth… police are part of the goons,” he said, drawing murmurs across the room.
Election observer Linda Ongweno said women were particularly affected by the intimidation.
“I saw weapons I have never seen. And as a woman, I’m here to speak for women who turned back and didn’t vote,” she said.
Observers and media representatives recounted how they were caught up in violent confrontations between rival political camps, warning that the country could face an even more contentious electoral climate ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Stakeholders demanded arrests, victim protection, and urgent security reforms, arguing that failure to act could make future elections a battleground rather than a democratic exercise.
The IEBC leadership pledged to document all submissions from the forum, while the Inspector General and electoral authorities emphasized the importance of law enforcement and oversight to safeguard Kenya’s democratic processes.
