IEBC Threatens to Cancel Ol Kalou By-Election Over Violence

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has threatened to postpone or cancel the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026. Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon stated the commission would take these drastic steps if escalating violence, the mobilization of criminal gangs, and voter bribery continue to threaten the integrity of the process. The IEBC has deployed investigation teams to Ol Kalou to probe reports of gunfire involving masked men, the destruction of campaign materials, and illegal late-night campaigning.

Investigations include a social media video allegedly showing Nakuru Senator David Gikaria offering cash to voters. Additionally, the government is facing allegations of open bribery after distributing 20,000 gas cylinders to residents in Nyandarua County during the campaign. These tensions follow the death of one person on July 1 linked to political activity. Ethekon warned that candidates found culpable of violations face disqualification and that the commission may invalidate the entire process if irregularities are confirmed.

These developments coincide with the launch of the 2022 Pre-Election Dispute Resolution Committee Report in Nairobi. During the event, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu warned that mishandling the 2027 General Election could lead to national instability. Senior Counsel Philip Murgor also cautioned Ethekon to resist political pressure to avoid repeating the violence of the 2007 elections. Ethekon defended the commission's readiness, noting that the 2022 report serves as a roadmap for handling disputes with judicial clarity.