NAIROBI, Kenya- The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has moved to reassure the country amid reports of violence, intimidation and allegations of ballot stuffing in Thursday’s by-elections held across 22 constituencies and wards.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon condemned the incidents, describing them as “unacceptable attempts to disrupt a democratic exercise.”
He said the Commission was working closely with security agencies to restore calm in affected areas and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“Elections are a democratic exercise, and no individual or group has the right to compromise the peace, safety, or integrity of the process,” Ethekon said.
“We urge all candidates, supporters and political actors to uphold peaceful participation and respect for the rule of law.”
Ballot Stuffing Claims Circulating allegations of ballot stuffing are misleading and inaccurate.Our ballot management procedures make such claims practically impossible. Voting is conducted in the full presence of agents, observers & the media. Each ballot paper contains
Several parts of the country witnessed violence and vandalism, with cases of property destruction and injuries reported as rival political groups clashed.
In some stations, voting was temporarily disrupted before security officers restored order.
At the same time, IEBC dismissed circulating claims of ballot stuffing, terming the allegations misleading and detached from the Commission’s established voting procedures.
In a separate statement, the electoral body insisted that its system makes such interference “practically impossible.”
According to the Commission, every ballot paper carries multiple security features that cannot be duplicated, while voting takes place under the watch of party agents, accredited observers and the media.
I strongly condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, or disruption reported in isolated areas during the voting process. Elections are a democratic exercise, and no individual or group has the right to compromise the peace, safety, or integrity of the process.We are working
“We urge the public to rely on verified information from the Commission and reject falsehoods meant to undermine the electoral process,” the statement read.
“Let us uphold peace, trust the process and strengthen our democracy.”
With the tallying process underway in various regions, the Commission has appealed for patience, calm and restraint as it works to deliver credible results from the 22 by-elections.
