NAIROBI, Kenya – Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has commended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for its role in strengthening Kenya’s electoral justice system, while announcing the establishment of an Elections Preparedness Committee to enhance coordination ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the launch of the IEBC 2022 Pre-Election Dispute Resolution Report and Case Digest, Ingonga said electoral justice remains fundamental to safeguarding Kenya’s constitutional democracy by ensuring elections are conducted lawfully, peacefully and credibly.
“Electoral justice is not an abstract legal idea. It is the assurance given to every voter, candidate, political party and community that elections are not merely events, but lawful, peaceful and credible expressions of the people’s sovereign will,” he said.
Ingonga described the publication as more than a compilation of legal decisions, saying it provides an opportunity for institutions and stakeholders to assess lessons from the 2022 electoral cycle and strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms ahead of future elections.
He cited key constitutional provisions underpinning Kenya’s electoral justice framework, including Article 38 on political rights, Article 81 on the principles of free and fair elections, Article 86 on transparent and accountable electoral systems, Article 87 on the timely resolution of electoral disputes, and Article 88, which mandates the IEBC to resolve pre-election disputes, including nomination disputes.
The DPP noted that the Commission’s mandate is further reinforced by Section 74 of the Elections Act, which sets timelines for resolving pre-election disputes.
Ingonga also underscored the IEBC’s quasi-judicial role, saying the Commission is required to uphold fairness, independence, due process and reasoned decision-making while operating within strict electoral timelines.
He added that Kenya’s electoral justice architecture is supported by several institutions, including the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), the Judiciary and other constitutional commissions, all of which play complementary roles in resolving electoral disputes.
Election preparedness
As part of efforts to strengthen preparedness for future elections, Ingonga announced the formation of an Elections Preparedness Committee chaired by the Secretary for Prosecution Services.
According to the DPP, the committee will coordinate the handling of cases arising from alleged breaches of the Election Offences Act and work closely with the IEBC and other stakeholders to support peaceful, secure and credible elections.
He also called for stronger collaboration among institutions by improving referral mechanisms between administrative findings and criminal investigations.
Ingonga emphasised the importance of preserving both digital and documentary evidence at the earliest stages of investigations, noting that timely evidence collection is critical to successful prosecutions.
He reaffirmed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ commitment to working closely with the IEBC, the National Police Service (NPS), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), the Judiciary and other stakeholders to ensure electoral disputes are resolved in a timely, credible and people-centred manner.
The remarks come as electoral institutions continue preparations for the 2027 General Election, with stakeholders increasingly focusing on strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms, institutional coordination and enforcement of electoral laws to enhance public confidence in Kenya’s democratic process.
