IEBC Warns It Could Postpone or Cancel Ol Kalou By-Election
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The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has raised alarm over the security situation surrounding the forthcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, warning that the poll could be postponed or even canceled if electoral violence and other illegal activities continue.
Commission says reports of voter bribery, firearm-related violence and prohibited campaign activities have created an environment that could compromise the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
The warning was issued on Thursday, July 9, by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon during the launch of the 2022 Pre-Election Disputes Resolution Committee Report, where he expressed concern over what he described as an increasingly hostile campaign environment in the Nyandarua constituency.
The commission said it is closely monitoring developments ahead of the July 16 by-election and will not hesitate to invoke its constitutional powers if the prevailing conditions threaten the conduct of a free and fair election.
“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 Warns Against Election Offenses
The commission revealed that it has received multiple reports alleging voter bribery, violence involving firearms and illegal night campaigns, all of which amount to serious violations of Kenya’s electoral laws.
According to the IEBC, such offenses not only undermine public confidence in elections but also jeopardize the constitutional rights of voters to participate in a peaceful and credible democratic exercise.
Beyond the possibility of postponing or canceling the by-election, the commission warned that candidates found culpable of breaching electoral laws could face disciplinary measures, including disqualification from the contest.
“Candidates linked to voter bribery, violence or other election offenses risk disqualification from the race if investigations establish that they breached electoral laws,” IEBC chair Ethekon warned.
Divisions Among Oppositions Become Visible Before Ol Kalou Elections
The recent alert comes in the wake of increasing political tension and visible division among the oppositions before the election.
In spite of opposition leaders’ assurances about working as one before the 2027 General Elections, the election of the Ol Kalou constituency brings to light internal opposition divisions with various oppositions putting up their own respective flag bearers.
New indication about this division was revealed after a public notice was issued by Murang’a governor Irungu Kang’ata on July 6 stating that the campaign rallies for the Linda Mwananchi movement will be held in Ol Kalou on July 12.
The Linda Mwananchi movement led by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East member of parliament Babu Owino planned to visit Kanjuiri, Ngorika, Ol Kalou and Nyahururu starting from 10 am.
This is just one day before the end of the 50 days campaigning period as per IEBC regulations.
Also Read:Blow to United Opposition as Natembeya Quits DAP-Kenya
Nine Aspirants Compete for One Seat
The by-election in Ol Kalou constituency became necessary following the demise of Ngunjiri Wambugu Kiaraho, who used to be the Jubilee Member of Parliament.
There are a total of nine candidates contesting in the elections, with the government party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), having Muchina Nyagah as the sole aspirant.
There are eight other candidates from parties that are in opposition to the government of President William Ruto.
The contestants are Kamau Ngotho of Democracy for the Citizens Party, Wilson Kigwa of Jubilee, Edwin Muchiri of Party of National Unity, Rachel Wangui of People’s Democratic Party, Mathenge Mwaniki of Kenya Moja Movement, Abdifatah Hussein of Federal Party of Kenya, Timothy Kamau of People’s Renaissance Party and Stephen Wanyoike of National Liberal Party.
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Ol Kalou residents join Nyandarua Senator John Methu as they count Ksh 10 contributions collected to buy a suit for MP aspirant Sammy Ngotho, turning an insult into a show of unity ahead of the by-election. PHOTO/ Citizen Digital
