NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 8 — The ongoing campaigns for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election have come under renewed scrutiny after Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of failing to rein in what he described as growing electoral malpractices.

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The legislator has warned that the July 16 mini-poll has become an early test of the commission’s ability to safeguard the integrity of next year’s General Election.

Speaking on Wednesday, Nyoro questioned why the electoral agency had remained silent despite allegations of violence, voter intimidation and other irregularities dominating the campaign period.

“We are continuing to witness, especially in the by-election that is happening in Ol Kalou, that political actors have been given a leeway to do anything, as if they are above the law,” he said.

📌 What You Need to Know

“Are the commissioners of IEBC clear-minded that whatever is happening is the right thing that should be happening? Why haven’t we seen any step on the side of IEBC?”

Nyoro argued that the credibility of the by-election extends beyond the vacant parliamentary seat, saying it would shape public confidence in the country’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“The kind of violence we have been seeing is appalling. We have not seen any action from IEBC. If the process we can already see with our own eyes is flawed, how are we going to give Kenyans confidence as we head to the next General Election?” he posed.

“The real exam is next year. It is not just about releasing results. The electoral process must always be peaceful and within the confines of what is acceptable so that we continue building the confidence required as we head to next year.”

Nyoro’s remarks come amid growing controversy surrounding campaigns in the Nyandarua constituency, where rival political camps have traded accusations of voter manipulation and abuse of state resources.

The latest controversy erupted after Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria publicly disclosed that he spent Sh1.2 million in a single day campaigning in the constituency while defending the collection of National Identity cards from residents.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya