NAIROBI, Kenya- Nyandarua Senator John Methu has urged supporters of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) to remain calm regardless of the outcome of an Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) case involving Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, alleging there were plans to provoke unrest ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
In a statement issued on Friday, Methu claimed he had received information from a United Democratic Alliance (UDA)-allied Member of Parliament alleging that the IEBC would recommend Muhia’s arrest following the delivery of a judgment in an electoral code of conduct case.
Methu further alleged, without providing evidence, that the move was intended to trigger demonstrations by DCP supporters, which he claimed would then be infiltrated to create grounds for postponing the July 16 Ol Kalou by-election.
“I urge all our supporters; whether Hon. Wanjiku Muhia or any of us is arrested, please remain calm. The most urgent priority is voting for Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru-Ngotho,” Methu said.
The senator did not provide evidence to support his claims, and neither the IEBC nor the UDA had responded to the allegations by the time of publication.
The remarks come amid heightened political tension surrounding the Ol Kalou by-election, where the IEBC has warned that persistent violence and breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct could force the commission to postpone the poll.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has cited reports of violent confrontations, destruction of campaign materials, alleged voter bribery and the mobilisation of gangs as issues of concern.
The commission is separately handling an Electoral Code of Conduct case involving Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia over remarks she allegedly made during a campaign rally in Ol Kalou.
Muhia has challenged the proceedings through her legal team, arguing that the committee hearing the matter was improperly constituted.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of MP David Kiaraho, with the IEBC scheduling the by-election for July 16, 2026.
Nine candidates were cleared to contest the seat, including DCP’s Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru-Ngotho and UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah.