IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukwana in Tana River County./COURTESYThe Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that both uniformed and plain-clothes police officers will be deployed in “hotly contested” by-election zones, in a security measure intended to prevent violence and ensure orderly voting.
The move was confirmed by IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana on Tuesday.
Speaking to the media in Tana River County on Tuesday, November 25, Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana acknowledged the competitive nature of by-elections.
“These are contests. There must be heat — it’s natural. But on security, we have put in place sufficient arrangements across all 22 by-election areas,” he said.
He added that IEBC has engaged all relevant security agencies to guarantee stability.
“There are police officers in uniform, and those not in uniform; we have brought together all security organs,” he said.
Alutalala also said that as part of the ongoing preparations for the November 27, 2025, by-elections, the officers in charge of the exercise have taken the oath of office.
" I was in Chewani earlier today for the oath-taking of the Presiding Officers and Clerks who will manage the poll. With several of these exercises already conducted across different areas, today’s session builds on the Commission’s continuous work to ensure that poll officials are fully aligned with the standards required for a free, fair and credible process," Alutalala said.
"As we approach the polling day, I’m calling upon all candidates and supporters to uphold peace, respect the Electoral Code of Conduct and allow the process to unfold with integrity."
The announcement comes as the IEBC has repeatedly sounded the alarm over rising tensions in some of the by-election zones, warning that political violence could derail free and fair polls.
In particular, the Commission has flagged areas such as Kasipul, where recent unrest left several people dead, as high-risk.
Under the strengthened security plan, IEBC says it will also coordinate closely with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), which has been mobilised to help defuse tensions.
The Commission further warned political actors that campaigning may be restricted or even barred in areas where threats to peace and order are significant.
The National Police Service (NPS), for its part, has pledged to maintain a neutral and robust security presence. In a separate statement, police warned that any form of violence, incitement, or disruption during the by-elections will not be tolerated.
IEBC has already completed recruitment and training of polling officials, and logistical teams have been dispatched to various locations ahead of voting day. The By-elections are scheduled in at least 22 electoral areas.
