The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has identified the misuse of artificial intelligence and the rise of political goonism as major threats to a free, fair and credible 2027 General Election in Kenya. IEBC Commissioner Prof. Francis Odhiambo stated that these threats could pose a serious risk to a peaceful and credible election. The commission is engaging county security teams to map potential hotspots and prepare for heightened political activity ahead of the election.
Prof. Odhiambo, who led an exercise in Nyeri County, raised concerns over the growing use of artificial intelligence to manipulate images and create misleading content on social media, deliberately fuelling misinformation and disinformation. He cited goonism, political gangsterism, and the misuse of artificial intelligence as the most serious threats to the 2027 election. The IEBC aims to conduct free, fair, transparent, and credible elections, but can only do so in a peaceful and secure environment.
Nyeri County Commissioner Josephat Biwott emphasized the need to enforce existing laws against individuals accused of spreading hate speech and issuing threats. He cited the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act as a clear guideline for dealing with those who engage in such activities. Biwott expressed concern that individuals who break the law often go scot-free, and called for collaboration with partners to address this issue.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga urged the IEBC to closely monitor candidates throughout the electoral process and take action against those who breach election rules. He expressed disappointment that the commission has not taken action against candidates who break the rules, and hoped that the new IEBC would have the courage to do so. Kahiga's sentiments highlight the need for the IEBC to demonstrate its commitment to enforcing election rules.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon met Coast security chiefs in Mombasa, reaffirming the commission's independence and commitment to delivering a free, fair and credible election. Ethekon emphasized the need to prevent violence and protect participation throughout all electoral processes. He called for the identification of risks in localities, communities, counties, and regions, and the establishment of clear institutional responsibility and escalation procedures.
The IEBC's efforts to address these challenges come as campaigns gather pace ahead of the 2027 General Election. With concerns growing over the potential for violent scenes, the commission's focus on identifying risks early and putting measures in place to protect the electoral process is crucial. The IEBC's commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent, and credible elections is unwavering, but it requires a peaceful and secure environment to do so.
The revelations in Nyeri and Mombasa highlight the complexities and challenges facing the IEBC as it prepares for the 2027 General Election. The commission must navigate these challenges to ensure a peaceful and credible election. Key to this effort is the identification and mitigation of risks, including the misuse of artificial intelligence and the rise of political goonism.
Key points
- IEBC identifies goonism and AI misuse as major threats to 2027 General Election
- Commission engages county security teams to map potential hotspots and prepare for heightened political activity
- IEBC reaffirms commitment to delivering a free, fair and credible election despite challenges
