Exposed: Dirty Tactics Used in Malava, Mbeere North By-Elections

The Election Observation Group (ELOG) has exposed a series of irregular and unethical tactics observed during the recently concluded by-elections in the country.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, December 3, Mule Musau, the National and Regional Coordinator at ELOG, said the elections were conducted in a highly politicized environment, with several factors undermining their integrity. These included the IEBC’s failure to address system vulnerabilities and multiple incidents of electoral violence reported during the process.

“IEBC failed to adequately address the system vulnerabilities experienced during the election, as well as external interference that undermined the integrity of the electoral environment,” said Musau.

ELOG has since urged the IEBC to take corrective action and implement the recommendations provided to improve future electoral processes.

ELOG Exposes IEBC Over Irregularities in Recent By-Elections

According to ELOG, the recently conducted by-elections were marred by multiple cases of electoral violence, harassment, and police interference. The organization reported that the campaigns involved several clashes between police, politicians, and supporters of candidates.

“The recent campaigns showed conflicts between police and politicians in areas such as Kasipul, Malava, Nairobi, and Mbeere North,” said Mule Musau, National and Regional Coordinator at ELOG.

ELOG also highlighted that its observers were harassed during the election process in Kariobangi, noting that security officers failed to intervene or condemn the behavior. The organization argued that proactive police involvement could have prevented such incidents and ensured safer polling stations.

Also Read: How to Check IEBC By-Election Results Online as Tallying Begins

Additionally, ELOG condemned the launch of government events and development tours in some by-election constituencies during the campaign period.

“For example, senior government officials in Baringo conducted a development tour that included the launch of fiber links and public Wi-Fi sites in Kabarnet. While these public visits may appear beneficial, they can be used as tools to influence planning and weaken accountability,” said Musau.

ELOG’s Recommendations to the IEBC

According to ELOG Chairperson Victor Nyongesa, the organization has provided several recommendations to the IEBC to ensure fair and transparent elections in the future. These include:

• Assessing the electoral environment early to determine whether it is conducive to credible, free, and fair elections.
• Disqualifying political parties and candidates found guilty of electoral malpractices, including perpetrating violence and engaging in voter bribery.
• Providing continuous and consistent voting location information to address the rising number of assisted voters to avoid being turned away.

Also Read: Kindiki Convenes Urgent Meeting, Gives Way Forward on UDA Elections in 20 Counties

• Strengthening the enforcement of ballot secrecy rules by taking action against voters who violate them and offering voter education on the consequences of such practices.
• Enhancing the accuracy of the voter register and ensuring voter details are updated to prevent future instances of voters being turned away. 

IEBC Releases Outcomes of the Recent By-Elections

IEBC conducted a by-election in areas where vacancies had arisen due to the death of officeholders or vacancies former holders had received cabinet nominations.

According to the IEBC reports, the candidate for the Kasipul constituency, Boyd Were, won, succeeding his late father, Leonard Muthende of UDA, who won in Mbeere North. Moses Omondi of ODM won in Ugunja, David Ndakwa of UDA won in Malava, and Harrison Kombe of ODM won in Magarini.

Although the IEBC results indicated a tight contest across all constituencies, ODM emerged with three successful candidates, while UDA secured two seats in the by-elections.

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