• Chebukati said such early campaigns are undesirable and may upset the political environment.
• The commission has requested all the stakeholders maintain a peaceful political environment.
IEBC chairperson Wafula Chebukati has raised concerns about ongoing early campaigns in the country.
Chebukati said on Friday in a statement that some politicians and aspirants have intensified their campaigns outside the legally prescribed period.
“The commission is empowered by the law to regulate campaigns upon commencement of the election period as outlined in the Elections Operations Plan (EOP),” Chebukati said.
He said such early campaigns are undesirable and may upset the political environment in the lead-up to the upcoming general elections.
Chebukati added that it is through the publication of the notice of general election that marks the commencement of the election period.
“Indeed, the Election Offences Act 2016 and the Electoral Code of Conduct are enforceable only within the said election period.”
According to the Act, the commission is mandated to provide the necessary information and education to enable political parties to effectively participate in the electoral process as well as ensure a level political playing ground and enforce the electoral Code of Conduct.
“Consequently, the commission urges all political parties and aspirants to refrain from engaging in early campaigns prior to the general election,” a statement by the IEBC said.
Further, the commission has requested all stakeholders in the electoral process to maintain a peaceful political environment conducive to secure and credible elections.
His call comes as top aspirants intensify their campaigns across the country.
Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga have been criss-crossing the country in a bid to convince Kenyans to vote for them.