IEBC blames politicians for rise of political goons

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) now wants politicians to stop sponsoring political goons, who have been wreaking havoc across the country.

The IEBC commissioners, who appeared before the National Assembly Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, lamented the spread of the goons across the country as the 2027 General Election beckons.

The MPs, who came face to face with the electoral body, narrated the recent spate of attacks in their own constituencies.

“Juzi opponent wangu alipigwa na goons karibu akufe... Muangalie mahali kuna hotspots ya goons,” said Turkana Central MP Joseph Namuar.

Funyula MP Dr. Wilberforce Oundo on his part said, “Jumamosi na Jumapili tulipoteza mwanafunzi wa KMTC kule Busia kwa sababu ya cheche za kisiasa.”

In its rejoinder, the IEBC blamed politicians, saying they were fueling the goons.

“Haya makundi yote matajiri wao ni nyinyi wanasiasa. Chimbuko lao ni nyinyi wanasiasa. Mkiacha kulipia hawa wahuni wa kisiasa tutamalizana nao,” IEBC Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukwana stated.

The IEBC says it will continue to crack the whip through the enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct.

“As a commission, we have agreed to be unprecedented on how to handle the goons, even yourselves as MPs,” said Dr Mukwana.

This comes as the electoral body also disclosed that it is facing financial deficits in preparations for next year's General Election, after its Ksh.74 billion budget was slashed by almost half ahead of the 2027 polls.

“How much were you allocated in the next financial year and is it enough?” Posed Committee chairperson Tindi Mwale.

Acting IEBC CEO Ledama Sunkuli responded, “Kulingana na takwimu ya bajeti tuliyopewa ni KSh24 billion. Mwaka wa 2028 tumeambiwa tutapewa KSh20 billion. Lakini ile tumeomba ni bilioni 74. Tuna upungufu wa bilioni 30 kuandaa uchaguzi.”

The IEBC was appearing before the watchdog committee to respond to audit queries for the financial years ended June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025.