The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has dismissed circulating claims of ballot stuffing during Thursday’s by-elections, describing them as misleading and inaccurate.
The commission, in a statement issued on Thursday, said its ballot management procedures make such malpractice virtually impossible, with voting conducted under the full supervision of agents, observers, and the media.
According to the commission, each ballot paper contains multiple security features that cannot be reproduced. It urged the public to rely on verified information and reject falsehoods aimed at undermining the electoral process.
At the same time, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon announced that the commission is working closely with the police to ensure that all individuals responsible for chaos and violence during the mini polls are held accountable.
Additionally, Ethekon condemned the disturbances that occurred in Kakamega and Homa Bay, specifically in the Malava and Kasipul constituencies.
“I strongly condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, or disruption reported in isolated areas during the voting process. Elections are a democratic exercise, and no individual or group has the right to compromise the peace, safety, or integrity of the process,” Ethekon said.
He added, “We are working closely with security agencies to ensure swift action against any perpetrators and to restore calm where disturbances have occurred. I urge all candidates, supporters, and political actors to uphold the principles of peaceful participation and respect for the rule of law.”
Ethekon reminded citizens and political leaders to uphold peace throughout voting, counting, results announcement, and the post-election period, emphasising that violence and intimidation have no place in a democracy.
Malava Constituency parliamentary candidate Seth Panyako, on Thursday morning, claimed there was an attempt on his life hours before the November 27 by-election.
Speaking shortly after casting his vote, the DAP-K candidate said his driver was seriously injured in an attack he alleged was carried out by government-sponsored individuals on Wednesday night.
Also, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was attacked by a mob in Kasipul at the Agoro Sale polling station, where he was acting as an observer for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party.
According to the lawmaker, his bodyguard, who was also attacked and injured, has also lost his firearm during the chaos.
