‘Ballot papers have more security features than the Kenyan money’ – IEBC commissioner
By Luke Oluoch, December 8, 2025Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner Ann Nderitu has revealed that the ballot papers in Kenya have more security features than the country’s banknotes used as a medium of exchange.
Nderitu made the revelation on Monday, December 8, 2025, during the commission’s Stakeholders Engagement Forum at a Nairobi hotel.
“You have to know that the ballot papers in Kenya have more security features than the money,” she said.
Nderitu, who heads the Election Operations Committee of the Electoral Body, stated that the main reason behind the development is due to the trust deficit Kenyans have regarding the electoral umpire.
Trust issues
“The reason is because of trust issues we have here in Kenya. The minute we go to River Road and print the ballots, you will look at the other side asking who the printer belongs to, his tribe, region, or his political affiliations,” she opined.
“It is why we engage a neutral person, and when Kenyans stop attacking the commission, is when we will have enough trust to do such a process locally,” she asserted.
The commissioner also sent out a strong warning against people attempting to disrupt the election process.
Violence
She stated that any acts of violence aimed at IEBC officials amounted to gross misconduct of electoral laws and regulations.
It’s extremely wrong and unlawful to target any officials, including observers. We feel aggrieved when our officials are targeted. It was sad to see officials hide under the tables as they tried to protect official materials,” she recounted.
“Don’t attack any electoral official. Election materials are sacred, you cannot come to a polling centre and destroy them. We appeal to all Kenyans that the polling precincts are a no-go zone for violence. You can do all other drama, just keep away from where the electoral process is going on,” she added.