Members of Parliament on Thursday passed the Election Offences (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2024, aimed at enhancing accountability among Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Bill, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and his Minority counterpart Stewart Madzayo, was developed from recommendations by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).
It seeks to broaden the scope of electoral offences by introducing penalties for IEBC officials who delay announcing results after polls close, knowingly alter declared results, or tamper with election materials. Offenders face a fine of up to Ksh.2 million, a jail term of up to five years, or both.
The legislation also prohibits IEBC staff from conducting elections in ungazetted polling stations, rendering such results invalid. Clause 3 criminalizes the publication of false statements about candidates or political parties, while Clause 4 regulates the use of technology to prevent manipulation of voters.
According to MPs, the Bill implements public recommendations from national dialogues on electoral justice, constitutional matters, and political party fidelity. It is designed to strengthen the legal framework governing election offences and restore public trust in Kenya’s electoral process.
Written By Rodney Mbua
