IEBC is facing a major
electoral test as voters in Ol Kalou constituency head to the polls in a
by-election that is widely viewed as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 general election.
Beyond determining who becomes the next MP, the poll
is expected to provide an early assessment of the commission's preparedness to
manage free, fair and credible elections after the recent reconstitution of its
leadership.
The by-election will offer critical insights into the
IEBC's operational capacity, including voter identification, transmission of
results, management of election officials and its ability to respond to
complaints and disputes in real time.
The outcome is also expected to shape public
confidence in the commission ahead of next year's high-stakes general election in which millions of Kenyans will elect the president, governors, MPs and Members
of County Assembly.
Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Tuesday billed Thursday’s vote as a litmus test for the commission's preparedness and
credibility, urging the agency to ensure a free,
fair and transparent exercise.
The former vice president challenged the Independent
Electoral and Boundaries Commission to use the Ol-Kalau by-election to
rebuild public confidence in the country's electoral process.
“If you (IEBC) bungle Ol-Kalou elections, Kenyans have
no reason to hold you in high esteem. You have powers to sanction anyone, including bigwigs in government who violate election laws,” Kalonzo said on
Tuesday.
The Wiper boss termed the Thursday exercise a test run on how best the commission will handle next year’s polls.
“Your capacity to hold free and fair elections would
be put to test on Thursday. You have the opportunity to prove that you are not
a William Ruto commission,” he said.
The by-election has attracted intense national
attention after both the ruling UDA and opposition parties invested heavily in
the campaigns.
However, the campaigns have been overshadowed by
persistent allegations of voter bribery, intimidation and isolated incidents of
violence, raising concerns over the integrity of the electoral process.
Opposition leaders have accused their rivals of openly
inducing voters with cash and development promises, while government-allied
leaders have dismissed the claims as propaganda.
There have also been reported cases of disruption of
campaign meetings, clashes between rival supporters and intimidation, prompting
calls for security agencies and the electoral commission to enforce election
laws without favour.
Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni said the campaigns
in the Ol-Kalou have exposed worrying levels of electoral malpractice.
“Everything has been violated in Ol-Kalou. It feels
like we are becoming more primitive as opposed to becoming more civilised,”
Omogeni said.
East African Legislative Assembly MP Kanini Kega on Tuesday recorded a statement with police at Ol
Jororok police station in Nyandarua over an alleged armed attack on him.
Kega told journalists that his attack was linked to his stand on the Ol
Kalou by-election.
"If you think that you will make us fear because of Ol Kalou, you are
mistaken. We will protect our votes. We are not leaving here in Ol Kalou,"
he said.
The allegations have piled pressure on the IEBC to
demonstrate that it can effectively enforce the electoral code of conduct and
ensure a credible exercise.
Yesterday, the commission insisted it is all
systems go giving a raft of warnings to be observed by all election players on
Thursday.
IEBC chairman Erastus Ethekon warned voters in Ol Kalou constituency
against carrying mobile phones into polling booths to photograph their marked
ballot papers during the vote.
Ethekon said the practice is illegal and could attract hefty fines or
imprisonment.
Ethekon who addressed a press conference recalled that during previous
elections, the commission observed cases where voters took photographs of their
marked ballot papers and shared them on social media, undermining the integrity
of the electoral process.
"We saw individuals took pictures of marked ballots and circulated them
on social media," Ethekon said.
"We wish to remind Kenyans and voters of Ol Kalou, please do not take a
picture of your ballot once you mark it, once you select the person you want to
be your MP."
"The sanctity and secrecy of the vote requires that
you keep it secret. That is why it is very important that we facilitate you to
vote by way of secret ballot. It will defeat the purpose if you again make that
ballot public."
The commission also warned politicians and their supporters against violence
and intimidation as Ol Kalou prepares for its parliamentary by-election, saying
it has received reports that groups of suspected goons are being mobilised to
disrupt the electoral process.
Speaking
at a joint press briefing with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja after
the close of campaigns, Ethekon said the commission was concerned by incidents
that could threaten the peaceful conduct of the election.
He said reports of groups of suspected goons moving around the
constituency had raised concerns for the commission as it prepares to conduct the by-election.
"We, as a commission, note with concern that there have been incidents
that have raised a red flag as we carry out our mandate of facilitating Kenyans
to elect their representatives," Ethekon said.
"We have seen situations where goons are mobilised to intimidate and
disrupt peaceful campaigns and the peaceful business of people in the affected
electoral areas. Ol Kalou has not been spared."
INSTANT ANALYSIS
A smooth, transparent and peaceful election would help
restore confidence in the commission following years of political contestation
over electoral management. Conversely, any serious administrative lapses or
unresolved disputes could fuel fresh concerns about the country's preparedness
for the next General Election.
IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon/FILE
