IEBC Threatens to Bar Violence-Linked Aspirants from 2027 Elections in Crackdown on ‘Goons’
Kenya’s electoral watchdog has issued a stark warning to politicians ahead of the 2027 General Election, vowing to disqualify any candidate found to be orchestrating violence or using hired gangs to disrupt the democratic process.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said it is intensifying oversight of campaign conduct following a surge in politically linked violence across the country.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 22, IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon condemned what he described as a growing and “deeply troubling” trend of politicians mobilising unemployed youth to intimidate opponents and derail campaigns.
“There is a very troubling phenomenon emerging in our political space. We have had situations where youth are being used as goons or mobilised to cause violence,” Ethekon said.
He warned that the commission will take decisive action against offenders, including barring them from contesting.
“Going forward, I promise you that we will not hesitate to disqualify any politician found culpable of disrupting the electoral process,” he added.
The IEBC’s warning follows a series of violent incidents that have heightened fears over the integrity of future elections. The commission cited chaos witnessed during the November 2025 by-elections in Mbeere North, Malaba, and Kasipul constituencies as evidence of a worsening trend.
Tensions have continued to rise in recent months, with high-profile attacks and disruptions reported at political events.
Godfrey Osotsi was recently assaulted in Kisumu by a group of attackers, sustaining serious injuries before being airlifted to Nairobi for specialised treatment. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have repeatedly accused the government of sponsoring violence at their rallies—claims authorities have denied.
In another incident, the convoy of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was blocked in Kikuyu constituency by individuals described as goons, forcing police to intervene after supporters were reportedly harassed.
However, investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) suggest that such disruptions are not one-sided. According to the agency, politicians themselves have often been behind the chaos, including violent scenes witnessed during a February political tour in Kakamega that resulted in one fatality.
The IEBC’s latest warning signals a potential shift towards stricter enforcement of electoral laws as concerns mount over the role of violence in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.
Also Read: DCI Orders Binance Account Freeze in Kenya Amid Crypto Crackdown