The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned politicians against using hired groups to disrupt campaigns, saying those found culpable risk disqualification from the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the commission has noted a worrying trend where young people are mobilised to cause chaos during political activities.

“There is a very, very bad phenomenon that has started to enter the political arena,” Ethekon said. “The politicians working with our young people, instead of working for the betterment of the country and our political processes, we have had situations where young people are used as goons or are mobilised to cause chaos and violence.”

He said the commission has observed such incidents across the country, especially during recent by-elections.

“When we held the by-elections in places such as Kasipul, Mbeere, Malava, we saw a phenomenon where politicians are using young people to cause chaos and to disrupt electoral processes,” he added.

Ethekon urged politicians to engage voters peacefully instead of using violence to gain advantage.

“There is no way when a politician is looking for a job to cause pain and suffering to other people, innocent people,” he said. “Look for a job, talk to the people who have the cards and who will elect you. But don’t use other people to cause chaos and violence.”

He made it clear that the commission will act firmly against offenders.

“And that one going forward, I promise you, we will not hesitate to disqualify politicians who continue to disrupt the electoral process,” he said.

Rising political violence concerns

His remarks come amid rising concern over political violence as the country moves closer to the next election cycle. Several incidents have been reported in recent months, with leaders trading blame over the use of organised groups to intimidate opponents.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has also blamed political leaders for fuelling insecurity through the recruitment of young people. Speaking on April 19, he said the biggest threat to national security comes from leaders who plan violence while holding positions of influence.

“The greatest threat to our national security is not from the slums or young people, but from leaders who plan every day how to recruit goons and gangs to terrorise citizens,” Murkomen said.

He added that security agencies have already begun a crackdown on such groups, with arrests reported in Nairobi, Kitale and other areas.

Recent attacks have heightened tension. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was assaulted in Kisumu, while political rallies in different parts of the country have faced disruption. In some cases, leaders have accused their rivals or state agencies of sponsoring the violence, claims that remain contested.

Investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), however, have pointed to politicians as key organisers of the chaos in some incidents.

With the IEBC now signalling possible disqualification, the commission appears set to take a tougher stance as it prepares to oversee the 2027 elections.