MPS PASS LAW IMPOSING KSH 2M FINE ON IEBC OFFICIALS OVER ELECTION MISCONDUCT

Kenya’s National Assembly has passed the Election Offences (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, introducing tougher penalties for Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials found guilty of electoral malpractice.
The new law criminalises unreasonable delays in declaring results, knowingly altering declared results, and tampering with election materials. Offenders will face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to Ksh 2 million, or both.
It also outlaws publishing false statements about candidates or political parties, interfering with lawful campaigns, and misusing technology to influence voters. Additionally, it prohibits the conduct of elections in polling stations that have not been officially gazetted.
The amendments, recommended by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) and the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, seek to plug legal loopholes, enhance transparency, and strengthen public trust in the electoral process ahead of upcoming polls.