KAKAMEGA, Kenya — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has responded to mounting allegations of voter bribery in Malava Constituency ahead of the November 27 by-election, after circulating videos appeared to show residents receiving money and food parcels from a candidate’s camp.
The controversy was ignited by DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako, who accused President William Ruto’s administration of orchestrating a scheme to influence the mini-polls through bribery, intimidation, and the alleged use of pre-marked ballot papers.
Addressing journalists, Panyako claimed that a prominent pro-government politician had acquired pre-marked ballots for use on election day, allegations he said signaled a broader plan to rig the by-election.
“These elections must reflect the free will of the people. But what we are seeing is a coordinated attempt to manipulate the outcome using money, threats, and illegal ballots,” Panyako asserted, challenging IEBC to act swiftly and decisively.
However, in an interview with NTV on Tuesday night, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon poured cold water on the claims, noting that the commission had not received any formal complaint regarding the matter. He emphasized that the authenticity of the videos could not be immediately verified and that investigations would only begin once the proper procedure was followed.
“I have seen those videos circulating, and we cannot verify exactly what they are. There is always a procedure for us to address such issues, and we urge that concerned candidates report to the commission through the proper channels,” Ethekon said. “We have a returning officer on the ground who can report the matter for investigations so that we can verify whether indeed there were acts of bribery.”
The remarks come at a sensitive moment for IEBC, which has been operating under transition pressures and heightened public scrutiny after years of contestation around electoral credibility.
With political temperatures rising in Kakamega, the commission sought to reassure the public that the by-election will comply with the constitutional standards governing electoral conduct.
Ethekon invoked Article 81 of the Constitution, which outlines the principles of free and fair elections, including freedom from violence, bribery, and intimidation. He warned candidates and political parties against breaching the electoral code of conduct, stating that any violation would attract punitive measures.
“Article 81 says that our elections must be free from violence, bribery, and intimidation, and therefore they should not engage in such acts that are prohibited by the Constitution,” he stated.
As Malava voters prepare to return to the ballot box, the IEBC’s next steps will be closely watched. Ethekon reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to enforce the law, but stressed that due process must guide all investigations.
For now, the onus lies on candidates and parties to lodge formal complaints and provide evidence, even as the public weighs the conflicting narratives emerging ahead of the vote.
