People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has raised concerns about the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC) ability to manage Kenya’s elections following disruptions in the November 27 by-elections.
Speaking on Spice FM on Monday, Karua said the commission’s response to incidents of violence and obstruction was inadequate.
Karua argued that blocking of party agents and candidates from monitoring polling activities amounts to complicity by the electoral body.
“We have seen the way IEBC handled the threats leniently. They failed to use the tools at hand, showing complacency and incompetence,” she told the station.
Her comments reflect wider anxieties among political leaders about election administration, particularly in constituencies with histories of tension between candidates, party agents, and local officials.
By-elections often serve as testing grounds for the electoral commission ahead of general polls, and recent events in counties such as Kiambu, Machakos, and Kilifi have heightened scrutiny of IEBC operations.
Karua warned that if the commission struggles with relatively minor contests, larger-scale elections could face serious management challenges.
The PLP leader’s critique adds to ongoing debates over electoral preparedness, including access for observers, voter protection, and the enforcement of regulations to curb intimidation.
While IEBC previously acknowledged logistical issues in select polling stations during November’s by-elections, the commission maintains that overall processes were conducted without major disruption.
Karua’s intervention comes amid growing calls from political parties and civil society groups for reforms that strengthen the commission’s capacity to manage elections transparently and securely.