The recent by elections have drawn sharp criticism after the Election Observation Group reported serious irregularities across several polling areas.
The group said the process was marked by violence, system weaknesses, and interference that affected the fairness of the vote.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, December 3, National and Regional Coordinator Mule Musau explained that the elections took place in a tense and highly politicized environment.
He said the IEBC did not fix known system vulnerabilities and that violence was recorded in different areas, raising concerns about the integrity of the process.
According to him, “IEBC failed to adequately address the system vulnerabilities experienced during the election, as well as external interference that undermined the integrity of the electoral environment.”
ELOG also revealed that its observers faced harassment during the voting period. In Kariobangi, some observers were confronted while security officers did nothing to protect them.
The organization believes that better coordination and proactive action by police could have prevented some of the clashes and made polling stations safer.
The group further condemned government activities carried out in campaign areas during the election period. Musau gave an example from Baringo where senior government officials launched development projects while campaigns were ongoing.
He said such activities may appear helpful but can be used to influence voters and weaken accountability.ELOG Chairperson Victor Nyongesa said the organization has given several recommendations to improve future elections.
These include early assessment of the political environment, disqualification of political parties or candidates found guilty of violence or bribery, and providing clearer information on polling locations.
The group also advised IEBC to strengthen enforcement of ballot secrecy and to keep the voter register updated to reduce cases of voters being turned away.
Meanwhile, IEBC released the results of the by elections. The polls were held in areas where seats became vacant due to deaths of officeholders or appointments to government positions. Boyd Were won in Kasipul, taking over from his late father.
Leonard Muthende of UDA won in Mbeere North, Moses Omondi of ODM triumphed in Ugunja, David Ndakwa of UDA won in Malava, and Harrison Kombe of ODM secured victory in Magarini. ODM finished with three seats, while UDA secured two.
