IEBC Warned Over ‘Imported Goons’, Voter Bribery Ahead of Mbeere North By-Election

Democratic Party of Kenya leader Justin Muturi has fired off a sharp warning to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing state-linked actors of plotting to compromise the November 27 Mbeere North by-election.

In a formal protest letter dated November 20 and acknowledged by IEBC as received the following day, Muturi, a former Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS), alleged a coordinated scheme involving “imported goons” ferried from Nairobi and Thika.

This is on top of National Government Administration officers operating in civilian clothes, and rogue police officers said to be deployed to tilt the contest in favour of the UDA candidate.

According to Muturi, intelligence from the ground suggests that certain polling stations in areas friendly to his party’s candidate have been earmarked for invasion and disruption. He claims unfamiliar groups have already been spotted in Kanyuambura, Ishiara, and Siakago towns, raising fears of election-day chaos.

Muturi further accused government-allied actors of running a rampant voter-bribery operation, adding that voters are being pressured to photograph marked ballot papers on polling day as proof in exchange for cash — a direct violation of Kenya’s secret ballot principle.

"We are witnessing massive voter bribery in the UDA/Government rallies and meetings presently, and their planned plot to have voters take photos of ticked ballot papers on election day to show in exchange for money. This is clearly against the principle of a secret ballot in elections," he revealed.

The former National Assembly Speaker is demanding that IEBC urgently intervene, secure the polls, and provide an updated voter register to avoid cases of missing names — an issue that has triggered conflict in past elections.

Muturi further wants the Commission to:

• Guarantee a free, fair, credible, and verifiable exercise

• Take action against the alleged bribery and planned violence

• Assure the public of safeguards ahead of polling day

He further pleaded that the Commission respond promptly, given the high stakes and the growing tension in Mbeere North.

The by-election, set for next week, November 27, is already shaping into a heated battle — and with these new claims, the spotlight is now firmly on the IEBC and security agencies to prove the vote won’t be another messy political showdown.

IEBC Warning

Meanwhile, IEBC earlier urged the public to avoid registering as voters more than once ahead of the upcoming by-elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday, November 20, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon warned that anyone caught in double registration would face serious legal penalties, noting that the act amounts to a major electoral offence.

He added that the Commission is now using digital systems capable of instantly flagging and removing anyone attempting to register multiple times.

He further urged Kenyans not to give false details during the ongoing voter registration exercise, stressing that such actions undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

What The Law Says

Providing inaccurate information or registering more than once is classified as a serious electoral offence, carrying a penalty of up to Ksh1 million, a minimum jail term of one year, or both.

The Electoral Offences Act of 2016 and the Elections Act of 2011 list several punishable violations, including bribery, use of force or intimidation during the election period, and impersonation.

Under the law, anyone found bribing voters or engaging in acts of violence during elections risks a fine of Ksh2 million or imprisonment for up to six years.

Other offences include breaching the secrecy of the vote, tampering with ballot papers, and public officers taking part in political activities during elections.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon speaking to the press on November 19, 2025, at JKIA as the commission received the first batch of 10 pallets containing ballot papers and statutory forms for the upcoming November 27, 2025 by-elections. /IEBC