Chair of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), Elizabeth Kalunda, has criticised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for imposing Ksh1 million fines on politicians found guilty of election offences in the recent by-elections.

Speaking during a morning TV interview on Thursday, December 11, 2025, Kalunda said the fines were too low compared to the lives lost and the financial resources available to some politicians.

“So, looking at how IEBC performed in the recent by-election, from a financial integrity point, there were quite a number of election offences,” Kalunda said.

“The fine currently being charged of one million shillings is not equivalent to the losses that were there. You can imagine paying one million, and lives have been lost. Again, this allows politicians with financial muscle to easily pay that amount. The fine needs to be revised.”

Kalunda acknowledged some operational successes by the IEBC, noting that most election materials were delivered on time, but she highlighted gaps in enforcement and the misuse of government resources. She warned that reforms were necessary ahead of the 2027 general election to ensure full integrity in the electoral process.

On the other hand, IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu defended the commission’s actions. She said the law does not allow disqualification of candidates without establishing facts and criminal responsibility.

“You cannot disqualify a person on the basis that a person died; then we should have waited for the report because they had different versions, and that lies with the police officers and the DCI,” Nderitu explained.

Nderitu stressed that the IEBC imposed administrative penalties only where verified breaches of the electoral timetable occurred. She added that while six areas experienced isolated incidents, the remaining 16 proceeded smoothly.

“Violence is a criminal offence, and IEBC does not have the power to prosecute. Everything that was supposed to be done by the electoral commission was done in time,” she said.

Political leaders react

The recent by-elections also drew attention from political leaders. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka warned that the commission had acted in favour of the executive, claiming election fraud that affected opposition candidates.

Speaking on December 9, 2025, Kalonzo said the opposition would pursue accountability and protect the youth from what he termed disregard for their lives. He reiterated that the people’s will must prevail in the 2027 general election.

IEBC Chair Erastus Ethekon praised the commission’s operational achievements, including the timely opening of polling stations, the functionality of KIEMS kits, and effective dispute management. He cautioned aspirants for the 2027 election to report grievances through official channels and not the media.