This archive report was first published on 1 November 2021.
On November 1, 2021, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i addressed allegations of interference with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) mandate.
According to Matiang'i, the partnership between his ministry, the ICT ministry, and IEBC aimed to create an environment conducive to the commission's duties.
He stated, 'We, in the security sector, do not conduct elections – that is the mandate of the IEBC, and our work is to support the Commission by providing security.'
Matiang'i also emphasized the importance of protecting women aspirants in the upcoming elections, instructing county commissioners to prioritize their security needs.
He noted that special attention would be given to women as they were more susceptible to intimidation or election-related attacks.
As part of the security measures, Matiang'i ordered county commissioners to create a database of all-female aspirants and map out their security needs.
He further stated that the maturity of Kenya's democracy would be tested on the level of participation of every voter and aspirant in the elections, including women and the vulnerable population.
