ENAF, DTF Demand Fair Electoral Reforms and Zero Violence Against Women Ahead of 2027 Polls

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The Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF), Democracy Trust Fund (DTF), alongside women peace actors and women leaders across Kenya, have called for transparent electoral reforms and an immediate end to political violence targeting women ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

 In a joint statement, the coalition raised concerns over the Elections (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2024, currently before the Senate, warning that proposed changes touching on political party primaries, electoral dispute resolution, public access to voter registers and livestreaming of election results must strengthen democratic accountability and ensure fair political competition. They called for transparent party nominations, clear mechanisms for resolving disputes between the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, as well as accessible voter registration processes.

The coalition also condemned rising cases of intimidation, gender-based harassment and violence against women seeking political leadership. Citing FIDA Kenya's documentation of 1,746 cases of election-related sexual and gender-based violence during the 2022 elections, the organisations noted that verbal abuse and hate speech accounted for 54 per cent of reported incidents, while cyberbullying represented 23 per cent. 

They pointed to reported attacks, public heckling and property destruction targeting women aspirants in Kisii, Baringo, Kisumu, Meru, Nairobi and Homa Bay counties as evidence of the continuing threat.

 The coalition urged the National Police Service and IEBC to identify electoral hotspots and strengthen protection for women, while calling on the DCI and ODPP to ensure impartial investigations and prosecution of offenders. They further urged the ORPP and NCIC to enforce political codes of conduct and take firm action against hate speech and intimidation.

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