Mombasa:The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has initiated measures to enhance security for the 2027 General Election, emphasizing the need for collaboration among security, justice, and other stakeholders to prevent violence and ensure the rights of voters and candidates are protected.
According to Kenya News Agency, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon emphasized the Commission’s dedication to independence, openness, and fulfilling its duties during the Election Security Arrangement Programme (ESAP) stakeholder engagement in Mombasa.
The ESAP initiative involves cooperation between the IEBC, National Police Service, and other relevant bodies to conduct joint risk assessments, improve early-warning systems, and coordinate responses to electoral offenses. Ethekon stressed the importance of preventing violence during all election phases and encouraged stakeholders to commit to shared risk assessments and effective rapid-response mechanisms.
Political leaders were urged to focus on ideas and reject violence, while media outlets were encouraged to verify information and counteract falsehoods responsibly. The security and justice sectors were called upon to maintain professionalism and accountability, with development partners urged to support early preparations.
Ethekon highlighted the significance of public confidence and the need for the Commission to deliver a credible and transparent election. He called for timely funding and coordinated support for the Commission’s Election Operations Plan, emphasizing the importance of protecting the safety of all participants, particularly women and first-time voters.
The Chairperson also addressed the evolving risks of misinformation and digital manipulation, highlighting the need for adaptive prevention measures. He stressed the importance of protecting both public safety and constitutional freedoms, ensuring equal protection for all voters, candidates, and political parties.
Ethekon concluded by calling for the engagement of young people as partners in promoting peaceful elections and rejecting attempts to recruit them into violence, underlining the necessity of fairness and impartiality in addressing electoral issues.
