The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned that the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election could be postponed or even cancelled if rising violence and electoral malpractices are not contained.
Speaking on Thursday during the launch of the 2022 Pre-Election Dispute Resolution Committee Report and Case Digest, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the commission was alarmed by reports coming from the constituency, including violent clashes, voter bribery, intimidation, and the alleged mobilisation of gangs.
"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.
"And that would be a very sad day for the citizens, innocent residents, citizens of Ol Kalou, because they will lose an opportunity to be represented in Parliament."
Ethekon said the IEBC has received multiple complaints about the conduct of campaigns in Ol Kalou. These include confrontations between rival supporters, campaigns running beyond legally permitted hours, spread of misinformation, and claims of voter bribery.
The commission is also investigating reports circulating on social media.
"What we are seeing, even on social media, is very disheartening, especially the rhetoric and misinformation by some leaders who are telling the people of Ol Kalou that they do not need national identity cards to vote. We have also seen rhetoric around outright bribery and the mobilisation of gangs and goons. I don't think we're inventing the story," he said.
The IEBC chair confirmed that one person died on July 1 following election-related confrontations in the area, describing it as "very sad and unfortunate." He added that while the constituency appeared calm during the day, violence reportedly broke out at night, with supporters engaging in running battles and vandalising campaign materials.
To establish the facts, Ethekon said the commission has dispatched a team of investigators to work with electoral officials on the ground.
He warned that the Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee, which is already constituted, will summon anyone found to have interfered with the electoral process.
"We will be very firm in enforcing the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee, which is already duly constituted, will summon those identified by our investigations as having interfered, or attempted to interfere, with the elections in Ol Kalou. When we find any culpability or breaches of the Code of Conduct, the proper remedies shall apply, up to and including disqualifying candidates involved," Ethekon said.
The IEBC chair also called on other state agencies to step in. He urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to investigate allegations of voter bribery and other election offences.
"Those responsible should be prosecuted to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process," he said.
Ethekon noted that the commission has already invested heavily in the by-election. More than Sh30 million has been spent, with ballot papers delivered and other election materials already deployed to the constituency.
A cancellation or postponement at this stage, he said, would be costly and deny Ol Kalou residents representation in Parliament.
The Ol Kalou seat fell vacant after the death of the area MP and the by-election is scheduled for July 16. IEBC says it will make a final decision on whether to proceed based on findings from the ongoing investigations and the security situation on the ground.
The commission appealed to political leaders, candidates and voters to uphold peace and abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct to ensure the poll is free, fair and credible.
