Waziri Mayai Wa Maradhi
JF-Expert Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 312
- 82
Due to concerns over the integrity of the electoral environment, a petition has been made to postpone the July 16, 2026, Ol Kalou Constituency by-election.
Francis Awino, a public interest activist, has requested that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) halt the poll while it looks into claims of violence, voter intimidation, bribery, and misuse of public funds during the campaign.
Awino contends in the petition that Ol Kalou's political climate falls short of what is required by the constitution for a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election.
According to him, reports from locals, civic leaders, civil society organisations, and the media present issues that can damage the vote's legitimacy.
He further claims that there have been political altercations and attempts to influence voters with material and financial inducements—actions that, if proven, would constitute electoral offences.
Additionally, the petitioner requests that the commission look into allegations that senior state and public officials, including Cabinet Secretaries, participated in campaign activities in a way that would jeopardise the public service's commitment to political neutrality.
According to Awino, the alleged malpractices have combined to create an atmosphere that could jeopardise the by-election's credibility.
Articles 10, 38, 73, 81, 86, 88, and 232 of the Constitution are cited in the petition, along with Section 55B of the Elections Act, which gives the IEBC the authority to postpone an election in the event of a significant breach of peace, electoral malpractice, or situations that make a credible poll impossible.
Awino has requested that the IEBC look into all alleged malpractices, gather information from security services, election observers, and civil society organisations, and use Section 55B to delay the July 16 elections until a calm and constitutionally compliant atmosphere is restored.
Francis Awino, a public interest activist, has requested that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) halt the poll while it looks into claims of violence, voter intimidation, bribery, and misuse of public funds during the campaign.
Awino contends in the petition that Ol Kalou's political climate falls short of what is required by the constitution for a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election.
According to him, reports from locals, civic leaders, civil society organisations, and the media present issues that can damage the vote's legitimacy.
He further claims that there have been political altercations and attempts to influence voters with material and financial inducements—actions that, if proven, would constitute electoral offences.
Additionally, the petitioner requests that the commission look into allegations that senior state and public officials, including Cabinet Secretaries, participated in campaign activities in a way that would jeopardise the public service's commitment to political neutrality.
According to Awino, the alleged malpractices have combined to create an atmosphere that could jeopardise the by-election's credibility.
Articles 10, 38, 73, 81, 86, 88, and 232 of the Constitution are cited in the petition, along with Section 55B of the Elections Act, which gives the IEBC the authority to postpone an election in the event of a significant breach of peace, electoral malpractice, or situations that make a credible poll impossible.
Awino has requested that the IEBC look into all alleged malpractices, gather information from security services, election observers, and civil society organisations, and use Section 55B to delay the July 16 elections until a calm and constitutionally compliant atmosphere is restored.
