IEBC Chair Ethekon Calls for Peaceful Campaigns Ahead of 2027 General Election
He emphasized that elections should provide every Kenyan with an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote in a secure and peaceful environment.
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon. Photo: Courtesy.
By Zuriel Midambo
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has cautioned against election-related violence, hate speech and other forms of political misconduct, saying such actions could undermine Kenya’s democratic progress as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the launch of a nationwide campaign to combat election-related offences, Ethekon urged political leaders, candidates, supporters and all stakeholders to embrace peaceful engagement and respect the rule of law throughout the electoral cycle. He emphasized that elections should provide every Kenyan with an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote in a secure and peaceful environment.
Ethekon noted that acts of violence, voter intimidation, incitement and hate speech not only threaten public safety but also erode confidence in electoral institutions. He said protecting the integrity of the electoral process requires the commitment of every Kenyan, regardless of political affiliation.
“The success of our elections depends on our collective commitment to peace, justice and respect for democratic principles,” he said, adding that no political ambition should come before the country’s unity and stability.
The IEBC chair also challenged political leaders to conduct issue-based campaigns and avoid inflammatory statements that could divide communities or incite supporters to engage in unlawful acts. He said responsible leadership will play a critical role in ensuring the country experiences peaceful campaigns and credible elections.
The national campaign brings together several government agencies and institutions responsible for preventing, investigating and prosecuting election-related offences. The initiative aims to strengthen public awareness on electoral laws while promoting accountability among political actors and voters.
Among the offences targeted under the campaign are hate speech, voter bribery, destruction of election materials, intimidation of voters and election officials, misuse of public resources, and politically motivated violence. The campaign will also educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities during the election period and encourage them to report electoral offences to the relevant authorities.
Ethekon stressed that preventing electoral misconduct cannot be left to the IEBC alone. He called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, political parties, civil society organizations, religious leaders, the media and citizens to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
He said a coordinated national effort would help deter individuals seeking to disrupt elections while fostering an environment where disputes are resolved through lawful and peaceful means.
The launch of the campaign comes at a time when political activities are gathering momentum across the country as parties begin laying the groundwork for the 2027 General Election. With political temperatures expected to rise over the coming months, government agencies have repeatedly appealed for restraint and responsible political conduct to prevent incidents that could threaten national cohesion.
Ethekon reiterated that maintaining peace before, during and after elections is a shared responsibility. He urged Kenyans to reject violence, ethnic division and misinformation, and instead support democratic values that promote national unity and peaceful coexistence.
The IEBC and its partner agencies reaffirmed their commitment to working together to deliver a free, fair, transparent and credible General Election in 2027. They also pledged to strengthen enforcement of electoral laws while encouraging all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy and protect the country’s hard-earned peace.
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