Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has warned that politicians found to be sponsoring violence or using criminal gangs to disrupt political activities could be barred from participating in future elections.

Speaking on Friday, May 15, 2026, during a consultative meeting with the interior ministry, Ethekon said the commission is prepared to take firm action against individuals suspected of mobilising gangs to intimidate opponents or destabilise political gatherings.

IEBC raises alarm over political violence

The IEBC chairperson said the country is increasingly facing challenges linked to youth involvement in criminal gangs and politically motivated violence.

“As a country we are faced with challenges, emerging challenges, of course, like the issue of our young people sometimes participating in this phenomenon called ‘goonism’ and, of course, joining these criminal gangs and being mobilised by political actors,” Ethekon said.

He noted that the problem must be addressed comprehensively by targeting both the unemployed youth being recruited and the political figures allegedly financing or directing the violence.

Ethekon said security agencies and electoral authorities must identify the individuals behind the recruitment and deployment of violent groups during political events.

“We as IEBC are clear on this issue, particularly our Inspector General; we need to deal decisively with this issue, both from the demand side and the supply side. Because these young people, on their own, they cannot engage in political violence. There are people who have the demand for their services, and being unemployed and facing some of the challenges, they are likely to engage in these activities for survival,” he stated.

“We need to find out who are these people who demand these services? Who are these people who are mobilising violence against other Kenyans?”

Threat of disqualification

In one of the strongest warnings yet from the electoral commission, Ethekon said the IEBC could invoke its powers to block politicians linked to violence from contesting elections.

“We, as the IEBC, will also take decisive action, including disqualifying some of those people whom we have information about their activities in perpetrating violence in this country,” he warned.

Ethekon also linked the growing trend to unemployment and economic hardship facing many young people, saying vulnerable youth are often exploited by political actors for survival.

He stressed the need for broader interventions to address unemployment and social challenges that make young people susceptible to involvement in violence and criminal gangs.

Growing focus on election integrity

The IEBC’s warning comes amid increasing concern over political intolerance, violent disruptions of rallies, and the use of organised groups to intimidate rivals in various parts of the country.

The commission’s remarks signal a tougher stance on election-related violence as the country gradually enters the early stages of the 2027 election season.

The electoral body has repeatedly pledged to safeguard peaceful political participation and ensure that future elections are conducted in a secure and credible environment.