The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a stern warning to politicians against deploying hired gangs to disrupt political campaigns, stating that offenders face outright disqualification from the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon expressed deep concern over an emerging trend where leaders mobilize young people to incite violence during political gatherings.
“There is a very, very bad phenomenon that has started to enter the political arena,” Ethekon said. “The politicians are 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 mobilized to cause chaos and violence.”
The Chairperson noted that the commission has already tracked multiple instances of such unrest nationwide, with a significant spike occurring during recent by-election cycles. He called on political figures to prioritize national stability and democratic integrity over short-term intimidation tactics.
Ethekon specifically pointed to recent by-elections in Kasipul, Mbeere, and Malava, where the commission observed a recurring pattern of political actors exploiting young people to derail electoral proceedings. He challenged candidates to seek public office through peaceful persuasion rather than through fear and intimidation.
“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.
The chairperson argued that the pursuit of leadership should never come at the cost of public safety or the suffering of innocent citizens. He urged aspirants to focus their energy on engaging directly with registered voters to win support on the merit of their ideas.
“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.”
The IEBC chief delivered a final, uncompromising promise that the commission will exercise its full authority to bar any candidate who continues to undermine the democratic process through violence.
“And that one going forward, I promise you, we will not hesitate to disqualify politicians who continue to disrupt the electoral process,” he said.
