Activist Boniface Mwangi has sharply criticised the conduct of Thursday’s by-elections, highlighting what he described as systemic failures by key institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the national police.
Mwangi’s statement, shared on X, comes after reports of violence, voter intimidation, and alleged irregularities across several constituencies.
According to Mwangi, the IEBC allowed a candidate who did not meet the constitutional integrity requirements to contest the elections, including lacking a valid voter’s card.
He also alleged that the commission overlooked widespread corruption and bribery, raising concerns about potential manipulation of results in favour of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidates.
The activist further accused the police of partiality, saying officers obstructed opposition campaigns and failed to protect candidates and their supporters from attacks by “hired goons.”
Vehicles belonging to opposition candidates were reportedly damaged during the campaigns, with law enforcement standing by, Mwangi claimed.
He also criticised the alleged deployment of state resources for partisan purposes, including police officers, and the use of public funds in efforts to influence election outcomes.
Mwangi warned that such practices undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and compromise the credibility of the electoral process.
Mwangi stressed the need for a coherent opposition strategy, arguing that slogans and rallies alone would not bring political change.
He called on opposition parties to present a clear vision to voters, emphasising the importance of unity and preparation for a post-Ruto political landscape.
The activist warned that the risks to political stability remain high, citing incidents of murder during the by-elections.
He urged opposition leaders to organise and strategise effectively to prevent further violence and ensure credible challenges in future polls.
“Now that we know the truth, let’s stop complaining and get to work,” Mwangi stated, urging Kenyans to focus on actionable political engagement rather than reactionary protest.
His comments come amid growing scrutiny of Kenya’s electoral institutions and ongoing debate over their independence and capacity to conduct free and fair elections.
The IEBC and police have yet to respond publicly to Mwangi’s claims, while the government has previously maintained that security deployment during elections is aimed at protecting voters and maintaining law and order.