By Urban Shihemi, December 4,2025

Members of Kenya’s civil society have raised alarm over the escalating misuse of state resources and rampant overspending by political actors during election campaigns, warning that the trend risks pushing the country toward instability similar to the 2007 post-election crisis and the recent political turmoil witnessed in Tanzania.

Speaking in Nairobi during the presentation of their findings from the recently concluded by-elections, the groups said early warning signs are already visible, pointing to a dangerous pattern of monetised politics, state interference, and increasing intimidation of voters.

Grace Wangechi Kahuria, the Executive Director of the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), cautioned that Kenya’s electoral environment is becoming increasingly militarised and hostile due to the involvement of state agencies in political contests.

“We observed the misuse of police, the deployment of state machinery for partisan interests, and the coordinated use of hired goons to intimidate communities,” Wangechi said.

“State involvement deepened when police units in Malava, Mbeere North, and Kasipul constituencies were positioned as instruments of political enforcements.

There were reports that police briefly blocked accredited election observers in Malava from entering the polling stations, while allowing rulling party agents to operate freely.” she added.

She emphasized that civil societies are still piecing together more evidence where security agencies were used to influence outcomes during the by-elections, calling the trend “a direct threat to democratic stability.”

Transparency International Kenya Executive Director Shaila Masinde echoed the concerns, pointing to the explosion of campaign financing that lacks transparency.

“What we are witnessing is the dangerous normalisation of using vast amounts of money and public resources in campaigns,” Martini said.

“This undermines electoral integrity and creates an uneven playing field. Tanzania’s recent political climate shows how quickly democratic space can shrink when oversight weakens and state power is abused.”

Martini urged Kenyan institutions including Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and Parliament to strengthen oversight of public expenditure during the electoral period.

The civil society organisations jointly demanded that the government ensure all political actors adhere to campaign finance laws, cease the use of police for partisan operations, and guarantee a safe environment for all voters.

They also called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to begin early preparations, enhance monitoring, and collaborate with observers to prevent a repeat of past election-related crises.

The findings report warned that without urgent reforms and strict enforcement of existing laws, Kenya risks entering the 2027 polls under heightened tension, mistrust, and fear conditions that have historically triggered violence.

The groups called out government officials including cabinet secretaries who participated in by elections campaigns using public resources.

They called on IPOA to initiate investigations into the police excesses witnessed during the by elections.