Kenya’s electoral and security agencies must take decisive action to address risks that could hinder the transparent conduct of next year’s general elections. This was stated in an editorial by Nation Kenya.
The publication notes that Erastus Edung Ethekon, chairperson of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, and his team are being closely watched in connection with their promise to ensure free and fair elections. According to the editorial board, Ethekon warned politicians against claims that the commission had allegedly been compromised, as they could undermine public trust in the electoral body. He also said that the commission would fulfill its mandate in accordance with the constitution and legislation.
Risks ahead of the vote
The editorial board described the recruitment of young men, the escalation of hate speech between political rivals, propaganda, claims of election rigging and disputes over tenders as alarming signs. The commission, Nation Kenya notes, has already conducted credible by-elections, but its main test will be the general election in less than a year.
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Among other risk factors, the publication mentioned low public trust in the commission, youth discontent and ethnic mobilization. Senior officials participating in a stakeholder forum in Nairobi on election preparedness warned that the country could once again face violence.
Concerns over violence
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission, the National Police Service and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions also expressed concern, according to the editorial board, about a possible recurrence of violence following the 2007 elections. At that time, according to Nation Kenya, 1,300 people were killed and 600,000 were displaced.
Election officials also warn that undermining trust in the voting results could trigger a political, economic and humanitarian crisis. Other risks cited in the article include questionable or biased actions by police and disputes surrounding lucrative election tenders.
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