Ian Smith Okatch

During Breakout Session 2: Violence, Political Intimidation and the Protection of Civic Space, Eustace Kinyua ,the Electoral Process Officer of Elections Observation Group (ELOG) challenged the reactive approach to electoral violence, emphasising that threats and intimidation can be early indicators of escalating risk. Drawing on ELOG’s election monitoring approach, Kinyua highlighted the importance of identifying emerging threats, assessing changing risk patterns and deploying observers where they are most needed. He also underscored the role of community-based organisations in understanding local tensions and supporting dialogue, mediation and timely intervention. As electoral risk patterns evolve, areas previously considered safe may become vulnerable. This reinforces the need for continuous, evidence-based monitoring that considers both historical trends and current information including threats emerging in digital spaces. “It starts with intimidation.” For ELOG, preventing electoral violence means strengthening early-warning systems, coordinating with relevant institutions and communities, and acting on credible risk information before intimidation escalates. #MediaCSOConference #ElectoralIntegrity

Delighted to be participating in the 4th Annual Media-CSO Conference, happening today and tomorrow. Join us as we follow the conversations, insights, and proceedings shaping the dialogue between media and civil society. Tune in to the discussions live: youtube.com/live/ATzboWopilQ…

Election Day is just one part of the story. Election observation goes far beyond the ballot. Elections are not just an event; they are a continuous cycle that requires monitoring before, during and after Election Day. The role of an election observer goes beyond observing activities on Election Day. It involves monitoring the entire electoral cycle, including the pre-election, election and post-election periods. Through thematic observation, ELOG monitors key electoral processes, including: 🔹 Voter Education & Civic Engagement 🔹 Voter Registration 🔹 Political Parties & Campaign Finance 🔹 Electoral Security 🔹 Inclusion & Participation 🔹 Media & Information Integrity 🔹 Electoral Legal Framework 🔹 Election Administration & Management This continuous observation, including during non-election years and by-elections, helps identify gaps, assess progress, gather evidence and promote accountability. ELOG provides a permanent platform for deploying observation missions and engaging citizens on electoral processes to advance credible, peaceful, free and fair elections. Because credible elections are built throughout the electoral cycle, not just on Election Day. #EyesOnElections @fidakenya @youthagenda254 @SUPKEM1 @UDPKenya @NDI @ELGIA_Africa @UraiaTrust @CEMIRIDE_KE @siasaplace @BungeLaMayut @elfafrica1 @lavaeli @agengaop @IanOkatch

Earlier today: opening remarks from civil society and partners on protecting civic space, evidence-based journalism and collective responsibility ahead of 2027. #MediaCSOConference

Day One : 4th Annual Media-CSO Conference ELOG led Plenary I on Election Preparedness, Electoral Integrity and Inclusive Participation, with a presentation by our Chief Executive Officer, Mulle Musau (@lavaeli). His message: with the General Election set for 10 August 2027, a reform agenda is not implementation. Progress must be judged by evidence, timelines and commitments. The Key concerns highlighted ahead of the 2027 General Elections:
▪️ Voter register needs an independent audit
▪️ Results law in deadlock; the polling station result must remain supreme
▪️ Gender and inclusion bills still stalled
▪️ Election technology audits pending ELOG calls for sustained institutional accountability, meaningful implementation of electoral reforms and collective action to safeguard a credible, inclusive, transparent and peaceful electoral process. The work towards 2027 starts now. #MediaCSOConference #ElectoralIntegrity

The final day of the KISP Programme Review & Management Workshop brought ELOG together to strengthen safeguarding commitments, review programme risks and agree on practical actions to improve programme implementation and accountability. The discussions reinforced the importance of collective responsibility, shared learning and coordinated action in achieving programme results. We appreciate @ELGIA_Africa for its leadership and coordination, and @FCDOGovUK for its continued support towards strengthening institutional capacity and programme impact. #KISP

Day 2 of the Kenya Institutional Strengthening Programme (KISP) Review & Management Workshop focused on reviewing progress against programme results and identifying what is helping or hindering effective implementation. Partners examined the implications of the revised logframe for work plans, monitoring, reporting and learning, while reflecting on implementation challenges and emerging evidence gaps. Discussions also focused on developing a shared learning agenda to inform programme adaptation and management decisions. As partners, these conversations are strengthening our collective approach to accountability, evidence-based decision-making and impactful programme delivery. #KISP

Join Mule Musau, National Coordinator of the Elections Observation Group (ELOG) and Regional Coordinator of EHORN, on Radio Generation for an important conversation on Transparency in Elections: Understanding the Ban on Live Streaming. 📻 Monday ⏱️ 7–9 PM 📡 FM 92.5 Tune in as we unpack the implications for electoral transparency, media freedom, public participation, and democracy in Kenya. #EyesOnElections

Kenya is heading towards the 2027 General Election, and there has been a lot of public debate about amendments to the Elections Act, particularly the livestreaming of election results. What should Kenyans understand about these proposed changes, and why does the issue matter for electoral transparency and public confidence? #EyesOnElections

2.6 million new voters. What do the numbers tell us about youth participation? Who registered? Where are they? And does registration signal a growing willingness among young people to participate in the 2027 General Election? Join the #Tubonge webinar as we unpack the data and the rise of youth-led initiatives like #TukoKadi. Register to join the conversatiom tommorrow from 3pm- 5pm us02web.zoom.us/meeting/regi… #EyesOnElections #YouthParticipation #KenyaDecides2027 – at Marua, Kenya