The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned political leaders against violence, hate speech and misinformation ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying voters must be able to participate in the polls without fear or intimidation.
“Our goal is clear: every Kenyan must vote without fear, candidates must campaign freely, and electoral officials must discharge their duties without interference,” Commissioner Ann Nderitu said on Thursday.
Nderitu spoke during the National Business and Election Continuity Breakfast Forum organised by the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) in Nairobi, where electoral security and the potential economic impact of the 2027 polls took centre stage.
She said the commission was strengthening its preparations through the Election Operations Plan, its Strategic Plan and the multi-agency Election Security Arrangement Programme (ESAP).
The commissioner urged political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to promote peace and reject actions that could undermine the credibility of the elections.
She also called for concerted efforts to counter misinformation and hate speech, which can inflame political tensions and erode public confidence in the electoral process.
The warning comes as political activity builds ahead of the August 2027 General Election, with leaders positioning themselves for the contest and political alliances taking shape.
Kenya has a history of election-related violence, most notably following the disputed 2007 presidential election, when more than 1,000 people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced. The 2017 elections were also followed by deadly confrontations, while the 2022 polls were largely peaceful on voting day.
The history has placed pressure on electoral authorities and security agencies to ensure that political competition does not descend into violence, particularly during campaigns and disputes over results.
Nderitu said the IEBC’s preparations were intended to ensure that the electoral process remained secure and credible, with electoral officials able to perform their duties without interference.
The commission’s security arrangements will require cooperation between electoral officials, security agencies, political parties and other institutions to protect voters and polling facilities.
At the same forum, KNCCI chief executive officer KK Mutai warned that election-related disruptions could have serious consequences for businesses, employment and household incomes.
He underscored the need to safeguard “businesses, jobs and livelihoods” by minimising disruptions associated with the election period.
The business community is concerned that unrest could interrupt transport, trade, investment and daily commercial activities, with small businesses often among the most vulnerable when political tensions escalate.
The forum therefore brought together electoral and business stakeholders to discuss how preparations for the polls could protect both the democratic process and economic activity.
The IEBC said it remained committed to delivering peaceful, transparent, verifiable and inclusive elections that uphold the will of the people.
