NAIROBI, Kenya – IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu says several people were summoned, fined and warned after breaching the electoral code of conduct during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) summoned and took action against several individuals accused of breaching the electoral code of conduct during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election held on July 16, 2026.
IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu said those found culpable were taken through the procedures provided under the Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee, with some receiving fines and warnings.
“In Ol Kalou, we summoned several people who breached the code of conduct. We took them through the process; we fined and warned them and did what the Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee is expected to do by law,” Nderitu said during Citizen TV’s Sunday Live programme.
She said some of those affected subsequently moved to court to challenge decisions made by the committee.
“Some went to court to challenge the decision of the Electoral Code of Conduct Committee; our process ends there because we have to wait for the verdict of the court,” she said.
Nderitu defended the commission’s handling of the by-election, rejecting suggestions that IEBC failed to act against electoral violations.
“It would be wrong to accuse the IEBC of doing nothing,” she said.
IEBC says no malpractice witnessed inside polling stations
Nderitu maintained that the commission did not witness electoral malpractice inside polling stations during the Ol Kalou by-election.
She said electoral officers deployed to the constituency ensured security and order throughout the voting process.
The commissioner said IEBC was also strengthening its security arrangements ahead of the 2027 General Election to prevent electoral malpractice.
The 2027 election is scheduled for August 10.
Police to operate under returning officers during elections
Nderitu explained the role of police officers deployed to polling stations and tallying centres during elections.
She said officers assigned to electoral duties are trained and briefed by IEBC and operate under the command of the returning officer during an election.
“Police officers who are sent to polling stations and tallying centres are electoral officials, those are usually under the IEBC during an election. They are usually under the command of the returning officer of that election,” she said.
She added that IEBC trains and briefs police officers on their responsibilities at polling stations.
“When we are dealing with polling stations, we train the police officers and brief them as electoral officials,” Nderitu said.
The arrangement, she said, is intended to ensure security personnel understand the requirements governing elections and maintain order at polling and tallying centres.
Nderitu promises credible 2027 election
Nderitu said IEBC remained committed to conducting a free and fair election in 2027.
She assured voters that their ballots would be counted at the polling stations where they were cast.
“Where your vote is is where it will be counted,” she said.
The commissioner’s remarks come as IEBC prepares for the next General Election amid heightened political activity and growing concerns over electoral security.
The commission has increasingly faced calls from political actors to strengthen safeguards against electoral malpractice and ensure that the results announced accurately reflect voters’ choices.
Gachagua raised rigging concerns in Ol Kalou
The Ol Kalou by-election was marked by political tensions, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua raising concerns about possible electoral interference on polling day.
Gachagua urged Ol Kalou residents to protect their votes at polling stations, alleging the presence of “armed goons”.
IEBC Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan, however, dismissed the claims and expressed confidence in the security arrangements deployed during the election.
Hassan said the commission had deployed adequate security personnel and maintained that votes would be counted after the conclusion of voting.
