Kenya's election watchers said the recent by-elections ran smooth on polling day, but the whole setup got messy because of political meddling and bribery before the votes happened. ELOG deployed 100 roving observers across 22 electoral areas, and they caught violence plus intimidation popping off in Kasipul, Malava, Mbeere North, Nairobi, and Machakos during the campaign season. Observers in Kariobangi North got surrounded by crowds demanding cash while blocking their vehicle.
The group flagged government officials showing up at campaign events, which blurred the lines between governance work and political activity that pressures voters. Misinformation blasted social media with fake polls and doctored images, and around 36 percent of the lies targeted the IEBC about registration changes in flood zones. Ballot secrecy got violated at 15 percent of stations, while some polling spots let unaccredited people hang around during counting.
ELOG said losing candidates filed legal challenges instead of rioting afterward, which signals voters trust courts more than street protests.
The group flagged government officials showing up at campaign events, which blurred the lines between governance work and political activity that pressures voters. Misinformation blasted social media with fake polls and doctored images, and around 36 percent of the lies targeted the IEBC about registration changes in flood zones. Ballot secrecy got violated at 15 percent of stations, while some polling spots let unaccredited people hang around during counting.
ELOG said losing candidates filed legal challenges instead of rioting afterward, which signals voters trust courts more than street protests.
