- James Oswago lists seven methods commonly used to rig elections in Kenya.
- His list includes gerrymandering, ballot-related fraud, and digital interference.
- He also highlights the role of violence, compromised officials, and manipulated observer reports.
- Oswago insists that electoral integrity must begin by addressing these seven areas.
James Oswago, the former CEO of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has laid bare the methods used to interfere with the country’s electoral process. In a blunt and revealing statement, Oswago detailed seven distinct tactics that have been used to compromise elections — a list that paints a troubling picture of Kenya’s democratic vulnerabilities.
“There are seven ways to rig an election,” Oswago stated, adding that any credible poll must begin by sealing off these specific loopholes.
Manipulating Boundaries – Gerrymandering
The first method on Oswago’s list is gerrymandering — the practice of drawing constituency lines in a way that unfairly favors certain candidates or parties. By altering boundaries, some areas are deliberately overrepresented or underrepresented, skewing the results even before the first vote is cast.
Ballot Stuffing and 3. Buying Votes
Oswago further highlights two direct attacks on the voting process: ballot stuffing and ballot buying. Ballot stuffing refers to illegally inserting extra votes into the system, while ballot buying involves paying voters to cast their ballot in a particular way — both undermining the will of the electorate.
Using State Machinery to Intimidate
State-sponsored violence and intimidation also feature in Oswago’s breakdown. According to him, certain players use security agencies or political loyalists to threaten voters and suppress opposition strongholds, creating fear that interferes with free expression at the ballot box.
Digital Interference and Technology Abuse
In the age of digital elections, manipulation of electronic systems has become a key concern. Oswago warns that tampering with voter registers, transmission of results, or the tallying software can decisively swing outcomes, making technology a double-edged sword.
Questionable Integrity of the Electoral Commission
Oswago also points fingers at the electoral body itself, noting that the institution’s neutrality is crucial. If the commission is compromised, all efforts toward a fair process collapse — making it both a watchdog and a potential threat to democracy.
Observer Reports Being Twisted
The final tactic mentioned is manipulating observer and monitor reports. Oswago cautions that some reports from election observers are altered or misrepresented to suit a narrative, creating the illusion of credibility even when malpractice has occurred.
Fixing the System Begins Here
Oswago’s message is clear — if Kenya is to have genuinely fair elections, reforms must address these seven problem areas from the start. Without that, elections will continue to be shaped not by the people’s will, but by those who understand how to bend the process behind closed doors.
