The Linda Mwananchi movement has accused the government of using state resources to influence the outcome of the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, alleging that large amounts of public resources are being deployed in the constituency to sway voters.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement on the state of the nation issued on Thursday, Linda Mwananchi spokesperson and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi claimed the constituency had witnessed an "obscene inflow" of cash and government-funded projects ahead of the by-election, describing the developments as an abuse of state power.

According to Omondi, the alleged distribution of public resources is intended to influence voters rather than address the long-term needs of residents.

The movement drew parallels with the 1995 Kipipiri by-election, claiming the then-ruling KANU government deployed state resources, including electricity poles, road construction equipment and bicycles, in an attempt to influence voters following the death of former MP Laban Muchemi.

📌 What You Need to Know

Omondi argued that the current situation in Ol Kalou mirrors those events, alleging that the government is once again using public resources to sway voters ahead of an election.

He further claimed that despite those efforts, opposition candidate Mwangi Githiomi won the by-election, after which the government allegedly withdrew the projects from the constituency.

The spokesperson accused the current administration of repeating what he described as the "old KANU playbook," while expressing confidence that Ol Kalou voters would not be swayed by projects and benefits funded through taxpayers' money.

He also criticised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), accusing it of remaining silent over the alleged misuse of public resources during the campaign period.

Omondi further claimed to have received information suggesting that officials within the IEBC's procurement department were being pressured to procure an election management system favourable to President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.

However, he did not provide evidence to support the allegation, and the claims had not been independently verified at the time of publication.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke