By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chair, Erastus Ethekon, has expressed concern over allegations of widespread voter bribery during the ongoing Ol Kalou by-election campaigns, warning that such practices threaten the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
Speaking during an election briefing, Ethekon said the Commission had received reports of rampant vote-buying, particularly during night campaigns, and called for the immediate cessation of all illegal campaign activities conducted after the stipulated hours.
He warned that the IEBC would strictly enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct and summon individuals found to have violated electoral laws.
According to the Chairperson, appropriate legal action will be taken against any candidates, agents, or supporters implicated in voter bribery or other electoral offences.
Ethekon further cautioned that if the electoral environment is deemed unsafe, unfair, or not conducive to a free and credible election, the Commission has the constitutional mandate to consider postponing or calling off the by-election until conditions improve.
The IEBC Chair also raised concern over reports that enormous sums of money—estimated at nearly KSh30 million—are allegedly being spent during the campaigns, urging all candidates to conduct themselves within the law and uphold democratic principles.
He called upon the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and all relevant investigative and enforcement agencies to immediately investigate the bribery allegations and prosecute those responsible. He stressed that safeguarding credible elections is a shared responsibility and urged all institutions to work together to protect the will of the voters.
The IEBC reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a free, fair, transparent, and credible electoral process and appealed to voters to reject bribery and report any electoral malpractices to the relevant authorities.
