Chief Justice Martha Koome has challenged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to firmly enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct and take decisive action against politicians and groups involved in violence, intimidation, hate speech and electoral malpractice.
Speaking during the launch of the IEBC Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and Election Operations Plan at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Wednesday, Koome warned that the increasing use of criminal gangs, hired goons and political violence poses a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law in Kenya. She said elections should be contests of ideas, policies and leadership rather than demonstrations of intimidation and disorder. She urged the electoral commission to ensure that those who violate the Electoral Code of Conduct face swift sanctions regardless of their political status or influence.
Koome noted that the legal position on the commission’s powers is now settled following the 2023 Supreme Court decision in the case of IEBC v Sabina Chege, which affirmed the commission’s constitutional mandate to receive, determine and enforce compliance with the Electoral Code of Conduct.
“The time for warnings without consequences must come to an end,” she said, adding that Kenyans expect a level political playing field where all actors are held to the same standards.
Koome also called on Parliament to fast-track the enactment of the Elections Law (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which have been jointly proposed by the Judiciary Committee on Elections, IEBC and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to improve election management and dispute resolution. She further emphasized the need for continuous legal reforms to address emerging electoral challenges, technological advancements and evolving public expectations.
According to Koome, strong laws, strong institutions, voter participation and public trust remain the four pillars of credible elections.
Koome praised the IEBC for developing the strategic plan through a consultative process and said its success would ultimately be measured by the confidence it inspires among citizens and its ability to strengthen the credibility of elections in Kenya.
