NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a sharp warning to the public against double voter registration, saying offenders will face serious legal consequences ahead of next week’s by-elections.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, in a statement released on Thursday, said the Commission had deployed enhanced digital verification systems capable of instantly detecting individuals attempting to register more than once.
“Double registration is an electoral offence. Our system will definitely flag out a person who attempts to register as a voter more than once,” Ethekon said, urging Kenyans to uphold electoral integrity during the ongoing registration drive.
The warning follows reports that some politicians were mobilising supporters to manipulate the voter register in areas set for the November 27, 2025, by-elections.
According to the Commission, the alleged schemes include double registration and deliberate falsification of voter details—practices that undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
Ethekon noted that the Commission had observed a rise in instances where individuals provided false information during registration, either to influence outcomes or to gain access to multiple polling stations.
“We urge members of the public to refrain from sharing incorrect information during the ongoing voter registration exercise,” he said, emphasising that the Commission would not hesitate to take action.
Under the Electoral Offences Act, 2016, double registration or providing false information attracts penalties of up to Sh1 million, at least one year in prison, or both.
Other offences—such as bribery, use of violence, impersonation, or interference with ballot materials—carry penalties of up to Sh2 million or imprisonment for up to six years.
Election law experts say the IEBC’s strict warning signals the Commission’s intent to enforce compliance in the by-elections, especially at a time of heightened political competition.
“The Commission has to be seen as firm ahead of any poll. Double registration opens a dangerous door to voter fraud, and if left unchecked, can delegitimize elections,” said Nairobi-based governance analyst Stephen Muli.
Civil society groups welcomed the announcement but urged the Commission to pair enforcement with voter education.
“Technology alone is not enough. The public needs continuous civic awareness to ensure they know the law and the consequences,” said Centre for Electoral Justice programme officer Mercy Kilonzo.
The upcoming by-elections, scheduled for November 27, will take place in multiple constituencies and wards where seats were declared vacant due to resignations, court nullifications, and deaths. Although the IEBC has not disclosed which areas are under heightened scrutiny, the Commission has insisted its systems are robust enough to guarantee a clean register.
Political parties have in recent days intensified campaigns, with fears that close contests may prompt attempts at register manipulation. Security agencies have also been placed on alert for election-related offences, including violence and voter bribery.
Ethekon reiterated that the Commission will closely monitor registration centres and collaborate with investigative agencies to pursue offenders.
“We will ensure the by-elections meet the highest standards of credibility,” he said.
With only a week to go, the Commission has urged political actors, voters, and officials to safeguard the electoral process, warning that any attempts to interfere with the voter roll will be met with firm legal action.
