IEBC Details Action Against Ol Kalou Election Code Violators

NAIROBI, Kenya — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has defended its handling of electoral offences reported during the Ol Kalou by-election, saying individuals found to have breached the Electoral Code of Conduct were summoned and subjected to disciplinary measures.

IEBC Commissioner Ann Nderitu said the commission took action against several people accused of violating electoral rules during the July 16, 2026, mini-poll.

Speaking during Citizen TV’s Sunday Live programme, Nderitu said the Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee followed the procedures provided for under electoral law.

“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,” she said.

Nderitu added that some of those sanctioned moved to court to challenge the committee’s decisions, meaning the IEBC must now await the outcome of the judicial process.

She rejected claims that the commission failed to act against electoral violations.

IEBC Says Polling Stations Remained Orderly

The commissioner maintained that the by-election was conducted without malpractice inside polling stations and credited deployed security personnel and election officials with maintaining order.

Nderitu said the commission is strengthening its security arrangements ahead of the 2027 General Election, scheduled for August 10.

She explained that police officers deployed to polling stations and tallying centres undergo training and are briefed on their responsibilities as part of the electoral process.

“Police officers who are sent to polling stations and tallying centres are electoral officials,” Nderitu said, adding that they operate under the command of the returning officer during an election.

According to the commissioner, the arrangements are intended to ensure that security personnel understand their role in protecting the integrity of the electoral process.

IEBC Promises Protection of Every Vote

Nderitu reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting free and fair elections and ensuring that votes are properly accounted for.

“Where your vote is is where it will be counted,” she said.

The statement comes as the IEBC intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections, with security, electoral offences and the credibility of the vote expected to remain major issues.

Gachagua Raises Rigging Concerns

During the Ol Kalou by-election, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua raised allegations of possible vote rigging and urged residents to protect their votes at polling stations.

Gachagua warned residents about what he described as the presence of “armed goons” and called for vigilance during the voting process.

However, IEBC Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan dismissed the allegations, expressing confidence in the security arrangements deployed at polling stations.

Hassan said the large security presence was intended to safeguard voters, election officials and electoral materials and maintained that ballots would be counted after voting concluded.

Focus Shifts to 2027 General Election

The Ol Kalou by-election has provided the IEBC with an opportunity to assess its enforcement and security mechanisms ahead of the next general election.

With some electoral conduct cases now before the courts, the commission says its role is to enforce the law while allowing judicial processes to run their course.

As Kenya prepares for the 2027 polls, the IEBC faces growing expectations to prevent electoral malpractice, maintain security at polling and tallying centres and ensure that every valid vote is accurately counted.