7 possible ways of rigging elections in Kenya; Former IEBC boss
Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) CEO James Oswago has lifted the lid on Kenya's risk of election rigging
Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) CEO James Oswago has lifted the lid on Kenya’s risk of election rigging, highlighting details of how the system can be manipulated from within.
James Oswago has voiced concerns about the integrity of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
Speaking in an interview with Spice FM, James Oswago questioned the readiness of the current commissioners, who are undergoing interviews, to oversee a credible election.
He expressed doubt that they would be prepared in time to handle even a by-election, let alone a general election.
James Oswago went on to outline seven methods of election rigging that he believes commissioners must understand to safeguard the electoral process.
“One is Jerrymandering, two is ballot stuffing, three ballot purchase, four state violence, five digital manipulation, six is compromising the integrity of the electoral management body, and seven is the manipulation of the election supervisors or monitors,” Oswago said.
Jerrymandering involves redrawing electoral boundaries to either concentrate opposition voters into a few districts or dilute their power across many districts, benefiting one party.
Ballot stuffing refers to the illegal practice of adding fraudulent votes to inflate a candidate’s total. Ballot purchase, also known as vote buying, occurs when candidates offer money or favours in exchange for votes. State violence involves the use of force or intimidation by government agencies or sponsored groups to sway election results.
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Oswago further noted that compromising the electoral management body involves manipulating the officials or systems managing the election to favour specific outcomes. He also highlighted the manipulation of election monitors, both local and international, as another form of rigging. To ensure a fair and transparent election, Oswago called on the government to address these issues and eliminate any possibility of these methods being used.
“If they want a fair election, they need to focus on these seven areas. By addressing each of these, you can analyse and improve the election process,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of an autonomous electoral management body, arguing that without independence, elections cannot be truly free, fair, or accountable.
“The challenge we face is ensuring the electoral management body’s autonomy. We have tried in Kenya to do that, and even the process that we’re doing now. Whether we are there or not, I doubt.” Oswago affirmed.
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