The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) spent Sh798 million to conduct the November 27 by-elections, lower than the earlier estimated cost of Sh1 billion.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon revealed this on Monday, December 8, during a Stakeholder Forum held in Nairobi.
He gave a post-election briefing on how the by-elections were managed and highlighted challenges that still face Kenya’s electoral system.
Ethekon said the by-elections were a joint effort involving several institutions and were not handled by IEBC alone. He noted that the commission worked closely with security agencies during the exercise.
He disclosed that some of the disruptions reported at polling stations were organised and meant to intimidate voters and election officials. He also raised concern over the emergence of individuals he referred to as “super-agents,” who he said operated beyond the authority of lawful party agents and interfered with polling processes.
Addressing complaints from Mbeere North, where there were calls to disqualify some candidates, Ethekon clarified that IEBC can only act within the law. He said the commission cannot remove candidates based on political pressure.
“We will not run elections based on emotions or intimidation. Every decision we make is guided by the law,” he said.
On enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct, Ethekon referred to violence witnessed in Kasipul, where supporters of two candidates were involved in clashes. He said both leading candidates were fined Sh1 million each after being found in violation of the code.
Ethekon praised the media for supporting transparency during the by-elections but called for better coordination to curb the spread of misinformation, especially during vote tallying.
He defended IEBC’s neutrality and dismissed claims that some candidates were favoured. He said all decisions made by the commission were documented and open to public scrutiny.
The IEBC chairperson urged voters and stakeholders to report electoral misconduct early instead of waiting until disputes turn violent on polling day.
He thanked the government for providing funds for the by-elections but appealed for earlier disbursement in future, saying delays affect planning and operations.
Ethekon also said the commission is open to proposals aimed at improving election management, including the suggestion to abolish the national tallying centre.
He urged political parties, security agencies and the public to promote accountability, noting that the by-elections revealed both progress and gaps that must be addressed ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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