The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned that the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election could be postponed or even canceled if the current security situation and election offenses persist.
Speaking during the launch of the 2022 Pre-Election Disputes Resolution Committee Report on July 9, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon expressed concern over what he described as a deteriorating electoral environment in the constituency.
According to Ethekon, the commission has received reports of voter bribery, violence involving firearms and illegal night campaigns, all of which violate the Electoral Code of Conduct and threaten the credibility of the by-election.
He said IEBC would not hesitate to take drastic action if the situation fails to improve before polling day.
“If we find that the environment is not conducive enough for us to conclude the by-election in Ol Kalou, we will be left with no choice other than to take the unfortunate and drastic step of postponing the election. If that is not enough, we will cancel it altogether,” Ethekon said.
IEBC has warned it may suspend or cancel the Ol Kalou by-election if violence, voter bribery and other election offenses continue, with candidates also facing possible disqualification.
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Candidates Face Possible IEBC Disqualification
According to the IEBC chairperson, the commission has received reports of voter bribery, gun-related violence and night campaigns, raising concerns over whether the by-election can be conducted in accordance with the law and democratic principles.
Besides postponing or canceling the election, Ethekon said the commission is also considering disciplinary action against candidates found to have violated the Electoral Code of Conduct.
He stated that candidates linked to voter bribery, violence or other election offenses risk disqualification from the race if investigations establish that they breached electoral laws.
The IEBC chairperson urged candidates, political parties and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns and refrain from engaging in activities that undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
He emphasized that the commission remains committed to delivering a free, fair and credible by-election but said this will only be possible if all stakeholders comply with the law and uphold peaceful campaigning.
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Opposition Divisions Exposed Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election
The latest developments come as signs of divisions within the opposition grow ahead of the July 16 parliamentary by-election.
A public notice issued on July 6 by Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata announced that the Linda Mwananchi movement would hold campaign rallies in Ol Kalou on July 12, exposing fresh cracks within the opposition and raising questions about its unity.
The pressure group, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi West MP Babu Owino, said it would campaign in Kanjuiri, Ngorika, Ol Kalou and Nyahururu from 10 a.m.
The tour is scheduled just a day before the close of the 50-day official campaign period set by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The by-election was triggered by the death of former Jubilee MP Ngunjiri Wambugu Kiaraho, with voters set to elect his successor on July 16.
The contest has exposed divisions within the opposition despite repeated pledges by its leaders to unite behind a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Instead, the race has attracted nine candidates, eight of whom are affiliated with parties opposed to President William Ruto’s administration. The only candidate backed by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is Muchina Nyagah.
The opposition candidates include Kamau Ngotho (Democracy for the Citizens Party), Wilson Kigwa (Jubilee), Edwin Muchiri (Party of National Unity), Rachel Wangui (People’s Democratic Party), Mathenge Mwaniki (Kenya Moja Movement), Abdifatah Hussein (Federal Party of Kenya), Timothy Kamau (People’s Renaissance Party) and Stephen Wanyoike (National Liberal Party).
The fragmented opposition field contrasts with efforts by leaders including Rigathi Gachagua, Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, George Natembeya and Justin Muturi to unite behind a single candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
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