The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has condemned the incidences of violence, intimidation and disruptions witnessed during Thursday’s by-elections in various parts of the country.
The electoral board, in a press release issued on the 27th of November 2025, expressed its grave concerns over hooliganism and lawnessness experienced in some electoral areas.
According to the board, such actions violate Article 81(e) of the constitution of Kenya, 2010, which requires that elections be free from violence, intimidation, improper influence, or corruption, and that they also undermine the principles of Article 86 on the conduct of simple, accurate, verifiable, secure, accountable and transparent elections.
IEBC also mentioned that the reported incidences contravenes the Elections Act, 20211, the Election Offences Act, 2016 and the Elections (General) Regulations, 2012, which prohibit violence, obstruction of election officials, interference with voting and counting processes and any other behavior that disrupts the orderly conduct of elections.
“Reports suggesting the involvement of political actors and public figures in actions that heighten tensions are especially concerning”, stated the IEBC. “Such behavior is unlawful, irresponsible and unacceptable in a democratic society”, it added.
The commission called on all the security officers to investigate all reported incidents of violence and ensure all individuals found culpable are apprehended and held accountable in accordance with the law.
The IEBC went on in the statement to note that its Election Code of Conduct Committee will take action on any parties, candidates or individuals found to have breached the Elections Code of Conduct, the Elections Act, and all other laws governing elections in the country.
In the face of all the incidents, the commission applauded the members of the public for maintaining peace and order in most areas throughout the voting period. It also emphasized that the few incidents of violence that erupted should not overshadow the commendable commitment demonstrated by the majority of voters in exercising their democratic right.
On Thursday November 27, police in Kasipul arrested at least 23 people and impounded 15 vehicles including motorbikes with crude weapons used to cause violence during the parliamentary by-election.
In an unfortunate incident, Homabay Town MP Peter Opondo Kaluma and his bodyguard were injured after a group believed to be Independent candidate Philip Aroko’s supporters attacked them at Agoro Sare primary school.
