IEBC defends Ol Kalou conduct enforcement, says cases moved to court are beyond its control

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has defended its enforcement of electoral misconduct during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, stating that cases moved to court are beyond its control. IEBC Commissioner Dr Ann Nderitu explained that the commission summoned, fined, and warned individuals found to have breached the Electoral Code of Conduct during the campaign period.

However, some of those sanctioned later challenged the decisions in court, effectively ending the commission's enforcement process pending court determination. This comes amid criticism of the electoral commission over its handling of alleged campaign violations, including violence, destruction of campaign materials, allegations of voter bribery, late-night campaigns, and mobilisation of gangs.

IEBC had raised concerns about the security situation ahead of the July 16, 2026, by-election and subsequently sanctioned politicians for breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct. Despite these enforcement measures, concerns remain about the commission's handling of the electoral environment, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights calling for stricter enforcement of electoral laws.

Brief written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.