Ethekon upholds electoral code, warns aspirants against violations
By Faith Lagat, December 8, 2025Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has reaffirmed the strict enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct, cautioning politicians against bypassing official channels to air grievances in the media.
Speaking on December 8, 2025, at a high-level Stakeholder Engagement Forum at Radisson Blu Hotel, supported by the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD) Kenya, Ethekon praised the work of the dispute resolution committee during the recent by-elections.
Warning to 2027 election aspirants
Ethekon issued a clear message to candidates preparing for the 2027 General Elections, urging adherence to proper procedures.
He called on aspiring candidates for the 2027 General Elections to follow proper channels when addressing electoral grievances. He urged them to avoid using the media to spread misinformation and instead report any concerns directly to their respective Returning Officers. Ethekon highlighted that he will personally serve as the Presidential Election Returning Officer, emphasising the importance of maintaining order and integrity in the electoral process.
“Urged candidates, especially those eyeing to contest in the 2027 General Elections, not to run to the media and spread misinformation but instead report any grievances to their respective Returning Officers, including himself, as he will be the Presidential Election Returning Officer for the 2027 General Elections,” he said.
The forum convened political parties, election observers, security agencies, civil society, and media representatives to review the conduct of by-elections across 22 electoral areas, highlighting lessons learned and areas for improvement.
“The Chairperson commended the dispute resolution committee for upholding the electoral code of conduct during the Kasipul Constituency MNA by-election, issuing fines to candidates who breached rules,” read the IEBC X post.
Operational successes and challenges
On operational readiness, Ethekon explained how the Commission overcame initial funding constraints. “The Chairperson noted that operational readiness was secured through a Ksh 798 million budget allocation, which mitigated the impact of initial exchequer delays. Simultaneously, the recruitment, vetting, and training of all election officials were finalised. To conclude the lead-up, the commission executed comprehensive voter education and stakeholder engagement via media channels, observers, and community outreach,” he said.
Ethekon highlighted several operational successes under his leadership, including timely opening of polling stations, over 99% functionality of KIEMS kits, transparent counting, smooth transmission of results, coordinated security efforts, and effective dispute management. Despite these gains, he acknowledged challenges such as voter apathy, attempts to influence election officials, logistical constraints, misinformation, and isolated security incidents.
“He emphasised that these issues were handled firmly and professionally, without compromising the integrity of the vote,” the Commission reported.
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