Lawyer Donald Kipkorir raises concerns over integrity of electoral process
By Kiprono Keileb, November 27, 2025City lawyer Donald Kipkorir has raised concerns over the integrity of the country’s electoral processes, warning that the country cannot rebuild trust in its institutions as long as election malpractices continue to be dismissed or ignored. His remarks come at a time when the country is grappling with tension-filled by-elections marked by accusations of bribery, intimidation, and credibility issues.
In a post on X on Thursday, November 27, 2027, Kipkorir said Kenya’s electoral challenges have deep historical roots and cannot be brushed aside by simple denials from officials tasked with safeguarding democracy.
“Every General Election and By-Elections in Kenya have always been marred by allegations of Voter Bribery, State Intimidation & Spineless IEBC, these allegations are a matter of Record in Court Decisions & Commissions of Inquiry Reports,” he stated.
The lawyer argued that Kenya’s troubled elections are the reason citizens repeatedly lose faith in public institutions. He said that only a transparent process, from campaigns to voting and final tallying, can restore a sense of national trust.
“When we eventually get our electoral process from campaigns to Election Day and subsequent tallying of votes right, we would fix our National Trust in institutions,” he stated.
Kipkorir also turned his attention to IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon, saying many Kenyans had never heard of him before his appointment but hoped his anonymity meant he was untainted and independent.
“Before he became IEBC Boss, many Kenyans, including myself, had never heard of Erastus Ethekon. Because he was unknown, we assumed he came untainted and thus may fix IEBC,” he stated.
The lawyer expressed disappointment after hearing Ethekon dismiss reports of malpractice in the ongoing by-elections.
“But yesterday, I heard him denying electoral malpractices in the current By-Elections. At least he should have said he would investigate instead of blank denial,” he stated.
Kipkorir concluded with a pointed warning referencing former electoral chairman Samuel Kivuitu, whose legacy remains controversial due to disputed elections.
“I pray Ethekon will not be like Kivuitu,” he stated.
IEBC on voter bribery
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Malava Returning Officer Salim Abdalla had earlier refuted claims of voter bribery in the constituency.
While addressing the media at Malava Boys on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Abdalla Salim stated that he has not received any complaints of voter bribery and manipulation as of now, since such complaints are required to be relayed to the IEBC, but as of now, he hasn’t received any, and therefore, the claims are null and void.
“I have not received any complaint of voter bribery and the like. By Monday 6 pm, campaigns ended, and if they are taking place, then that is illegal,” Abdalla stated.