IEBC Raises Alarm Over 3 Threats Facing the 2027 General Election

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has identified goonism, political gangsterism and the misuse of artificial intelligence as three major threats that could disrupt the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in Nyeri on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, during an IEBC engagement with security officials, Commissioner Francis Odhiambo said the commission can only conduct a credible election if authorities maintain peace and security across the country.

“IEBC is ready to conduct elections in free, fair, transparent, credible elections. But we can only do that in an environment that is peaceful, an environment that is secure, an environment that allows a voter to vote freely,” Odhiambo said.

As the 2027 polls draw closer, IEBC has intensified its engagement with county security teams to identify potential hotspots and prepare for heightened political activity.

IEBC Raises Alarm Over AI Misuse

Beyond physical violence, Odhiambo warned that the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) could pose another challenge to the 2027 election.

He said malicious actors can manipulate images and create misleading content on social media, potentially fueling misinformation and disinformation.

“The most serious threats to the 2027 election are: one, goonism, secondly political gangsterism, and thirdly the misuse of artificial intelligence. And we are hoping that we can be able to bring this under control in time for the election,” he added.

Commission Warns of Goonism and Political Gangsterism

Meanwhile, Nyeri County Commissioner Josephat Biwott called for stronger enforcement of existing laws against individuals who use digital platforms to threaten others or spread hate speech.

“We have the laws which are supposed to govern. For example, this Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act is very clear on how to deal with somebody who is saying, ‘Tutatembelea fulani.’ We want to have all other partners. For example, now somebody cannot have hate speech and then the DCI arrests, we take you to court and then you cause court free. Where are we failing?” Biwott said.

Also Read: Inside Bill Seeking to Give IEBC Greater Control Over Election Technology

In response, Biwott questioned how authorities handle cases involving online threats and hate speech, particularly as political activity intensifies ahead of the polls.

Kahiga Urges IEBC to Monitor Candidates

Separately, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga challenged the electoral commission to play a more active role in monitoring candidates throughout the electoral period.

“We want IEBC to monitor from the beginning to the end of every candidate’s performance. And you should, you know, we’ve been waiting to hear you ban one or two who are breaking the rules, and it has not happened. We hope this new IEBC will be able, will have the courage to do that,” he said.

Also Read: IEBC Announces New Registration Deadline for Youth, Women, PWD and Minority Groups

Ethekon Calls for Early Identification of Election Risks

At the same time, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon met security chiefs in Mombasa as the commission intensified its preparations for the 2027 General Election.

“Our objective, therefore, is to prevent violence and protect participation throughout all the electoral processes. We must identify risks in our localities, in our communities, in our counties and in our region,” he said.

Through its engagement with security teams, IEBC aims to map areas that could experience political tensions and introduce preventive measures before the election period intensifies.

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A photo of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon (center) briefs the media on April 30, 2026, on the completion of the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) with fellow IEBC Commissioners. PHOTO/ KNA