The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson, Erastus Ethekon, has responded to the viral video showing Malava Constituency residents allegedly being bribed by Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda, who supports UDA candidate David Ndakwa in the upcoming by-elections on November 27.
In the video, which has since gone viral on all social media platforms, ODM lawmaker Elsie Muhanda, with the help of a few men in green reflector jackets, can be seen handing over mattresses, blankets, and cash to a number of elderly women.
Speaking during a media interview, Ethekon confirmed that claims and videos of alleged voter bribery had reached the IEBC, but they could not verify exactly what the purpose of those videos were.
“Yes, we have seen those videos circulating, but we cannot verify exactly what they are.”
No Formal Complaints
The IEBC stated that the commission had not received any formal complaints regarding the matter, and no action is yet to be taken.
According to Ethekon, the IEBC has to follow its established procedures when handling such cases.
He urged any candidate or political party that is concerned to report any suspected electoral malpractices in Malava Constituency through the official channels.
“We have our returning officer on the ground. They can report these matters for investigation so that we verify and confirm that indeed those mattresses or any other acts of bribery or such associated acts are true indeed, so that we take the necessary action. As of now, we have not yet received any formal complaint, and once we do that, then the matter will be investigated and dealt with.”
Ethekon added that the IEBC is calling on all the participating candidates and political parties to stick by the rules and follow the laws in the constitution, specifically citing Article 81.
“Article 81 says that our elections must be free from violence, harassment, intimidation, and bribery, and therefore they should not engage in such kind of acts that are prohibited by the Constitution, but also the Elections Act and the Election Offenses Act. So if those allegations are indeed true after the investigations, action will be taken.”
Unknown Timeline for Malava Investigations
With less than 16 hours to the Malava polls, the big question that is being asked is whether IEBC’s findings could influence the outcome of the by-elections.
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When asked about the timeline of the investigations, Ethekon said that it would depend on the returning officer’s assessment.
“At the moment, I cannot tell how long. It depends. Once the complaints reach our returning officers, then they will, of course, determine the time frame within which it takes place. So at the moment, we are yet to get the report from the returning officer whether indeed they have received the specific complaint. But, yes, of course, there is a lot going on here.”
Ethekon assured Kenyans that the commission is committed to delivering a credible election, highlighting that the preparations are ongoing and are at an advanced stage.
The IEBC chair’s remarks came amid heightened political activity in Malava, Mbeere North, Kasipul, and Magarini, where parties are mobilizing supporters ahead of the vote.
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The upcoming by-elections are seen as a key test of how the IEBC will conduct the 2027 elections and whether the IEBC has the ability to enforce electoral laws and maintain public confidence.
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