NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned that it could postpone or even cancel the forthcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election if violence, voter bribery and other electoral offences continue to threaten the integrity of the poll.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the commission was closely monitoring the situation and would not hesitate to take drastic action if conditions on the ground undermine the prospects of a free, fair and credible 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 most unfortunate and drastic step of postponing the elections in Ol Kalou. And if that’s not enough, we will cancel it altogether,” Ethekon said.
The warning comes just days before voters head to the polls in a contest that has attracted intense political attention and heightened competition between government-aligned and opposition-backed candidates.
Concerns over campaign violence
The IEBC chief expressed concern over escalating tensions during the campaign period, revealing that one person was killed following a confrontation linked to election activities on the night of July 1.
“Daytime, the place is peaceful. At night, madness descends. And on 1st July, sadly, such a confrontation late in the night resulted in the death of one person,” Ethekon said.
Although he did not disclose details about the victim or the circumstances surrounding the incident, the commission said the killing underscored the need for all political actors to exercise restraint and comply with electoral laws.
Election-related violence has historically been a major concern in Kenya, prompting electoral authorities and security agencies to intensify monitoring during competitive contests.
Bribery allegations raise alarm
Ethekon also raised concerns about reports of widespread voter bribery, describing the allegations as serious threats to electoral integrity.
“In some outlets, the scale of bribery is massive,” he said.
The IEBC has repeatedly warned candidates and political parties that voter inducement constitutes an electoral offence under Kenyan law and can attract criminal penalties, fines or disqualification.
The commission has also urged law enforcement agencies to investigate credible reports of bribery and prosecute offenders.
Questions over role of state officials
The electoral commission further expressed concern about claims that government officials were actively participating in campaign activities.
According to Ethekon, state officers are free to carry out their official duties in the constituency but should not misuse public office or resources to influence the outcome of the election.
“We have also been alerted of the presence of state officials in Ol Kalou, which is not a problem as long as they are doing their ordinary duties. But where they are there to interfere, that is also very unfortunate,” he said.
He warned that unchecked electoral misconduct at the constituency level could foreshadow broader challenges ahead of Kenya’s next general election.
“These small incidents are a precursor of what is likely to happen in 2027,” he added.
DCP candidate accuses IEBC of inaction
The latest concerns come as Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru accused the commission of failing to enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct despite complaints from competing candidates.
Speaking in an interview with Kameme FM, Kamau alleged that voter bribery and destruction of campaign materials had become commonplace but had gone largely unaddressed.
“We signed the Electoral Code of Conduct, and we committed to abide by it. I wonder why the IEBC has not taken any action,” he said.
“We are seeing cases of voter bribery in broad daylight, and our billboards have been destroyed, but despite raising concerns, no action has been taken.”
Kamau argued that candidates entered the campaign period with the expectation that the electoral code would be enforced equally against all participants.
High-stakes contest
The Ol Kalou by-election has evolved into one of Kenya’s most closely watched local contests, attracting national political figures and significant campaign resources.
In recent weeks, rival camps have traded accusations over campaign conduct, use of state resources and alleged attempts to influence voters through gifts and development pledges.
Also Read: Gachagua claims Ol Kalou residents offered gas cylinders, mattresses in exchange for IDs
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has previously alleged that residents were being offered incentives in exchange for political support, claims that have intensified scrutiny of campaign activities in the constituency.
The IEBC has not publicly identified any candidate or political party as responsible for the alleged offences but has warned that investigations are ongoing.
Election integrity under scrutiny
The commission’s warning highlights growing concern about maintaining public confidence in electoral processes at a time when Kenya is preparing for a broader electoral cycle.
Analysts say the Ol Kalou contest has become a test case for how institutions respond to allegations of violence, intimidation and vote-buying before the 2027 General Election.
For now, the IEBC insists the by-election will proceed as scheduled, but the commission’s unprecedented warning underscores the seriousness of the concerns emerging from the campaign trail.
