NAIROBI, Kenya — Senior Counsel Paul Muite has criticised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over its handling of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, arguing that concerns about the commission’s impartiality must be addressed ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement posted on X following the by-election, Muite accused the electoral commission of failing to act on alleged electoral offences during the campaign and voting period.
“The brazen partisanship by IEBC in Ol Kalou towards the regime in power, calling bribery ‘State Gifts’ and turning blind eyes on state-sponsored goons’ violence and other electoral offences, must be resolved before this shamelessly partisan IEBC can be relied upon to conduct next year’s General Elections,” Muite wrote.
Calls for Accountability
The veteran constitutional lawyer also reflected on Kenya’s democratic evolution, arguing that institutions established under the 2010 Constitution have strengthened checks and balances compared to previous administrations.
He contrasted the current constitutional framework with the era of former President Daniel arap Moi, saying Kenya now has stronger institutions capable of holding those in power accountable.
“Daniel Toroitich Moi was wielding absolute power; imperial Presidency. We now have the 2010 Constitution; some individual judges holding the President to the Constitution; social and mainstream media; an empowered people especially the Gen Zees.”
‘No Return to the Past’
Muite expressed confidence that Kenya’s democratic gains would not be reversed, citing an independent Judiciary, a vibrant media and increased civic awareness among citizens.
“No one will succeed in dragging back to those dark days no matter how hard they try… Accountability will be achieved.”
Ol Kalou Poll Continues to Draw Political Reactions
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has generated widespread political commentary since the IEBC declared Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) the winner.
While some leaders have praised the electoral process as transparent, others have raised concerns over allegations of voter intimidation, violence and misuse of state resources.
The IEBC has maintained that the election was conducted in accordance with the law and acknowledged only isolated incidents that it said were addressed during polling.
The commission has thanked voters, candidates, election officials, security agencies, observers, the media and other stakeholders for contributing to what it described as a peaceful and orderly electoral process.