ELOG reports bribery, harassment and lax security response during November 27 by-elections

During a press briefing on Wednesday, the election observer said that it has recorded cases of blatant electoral violence, harassment and political interference during the campaign period propagated by political factions.

ELOG officer Mule Musau said that there were cases of violence observed in Kasipul, Malava, Mbeere North, Nairobi and Machakos during the campaign period due to alleged monetary inducements.

He added that observers were harassed in some constituencies among them Kariobangi North, where a rowdy crowd barricaded the vehicle demanding cash.

"ELOG is concerned that in many of these observations the security officers did not take decisive action that would have mitigated the situation," he said.

Long-term observers (LTOs) also reported open voter bribery and improper influence during campaigns in some constituencies.

"The distribution of relief goods like blankets and other materials constitute voter bribery under the Kenyan law," Musau added.

Section 9 of the Electoral Offences Act dictates that any person who directly or indirectly offers a bribe to influence a voter is liable, on

conviction, to a fine not exceeding Ksh.2 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six years or to both.

Section 9 (2) adds that a person who, during an election period, accepts or agrees to accept a bribe is also liable for committing an offence.

ELOG further highlighted the "concerning presence" of high-ranking public officials and the use of public resources during the campaign period, noting that it ran the risk of influencing the governing of political parties and voter behavior.

Further, it noted that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) failed to address vulnerabilities and external interferences that undermined the integrity of the electoral environment.

It recorded unauthorised access to polling stations without required accreditation badges in Kasipul, Malava and Mbeere North, noting it compromised vote secrecy.

"A number of these individuals included the political parties super agents who were moving from one polling station to another despite the fact that every candidate and parties had designated agents accredited by IEBC," he said.

The observer now wants the IEBC to apply scrutiny before conducting elections in different parts of the country to avert similar occurrences in future elections.

It also wants guidelines on ballot secrecy to be bolstered and action taken on those who violated the set laws during the by-elections.

IEBC officially gazetted the winners of the 24 by-elections held across select regions in Kenya.

The mini polls were conducted in areas where vacancies had arisen due to the death of officeholders or vacancies former holders had received cabinet nominations.

Seats contested included parliamentary and ward-level positions, attracting nationwide attention as political parties sought to consolidate influence and test voter sentiment ahead of the 2027 General Election.