The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has warned it may postpone or cancel the Ol Kalou by-election scheduled for July 16 due to reports of voter bribery, gun violence and night campaigns.
IEBC chairperson Erustus Ethekon said the commission could take the step if the environment is not conducive for a free, fair and peaceful poll. He added that some candidates could face disqualification over breaches of the code of conduct.
The warning follows reports received by the commission of voter bribery, gun violence and night campaigns in the constituency. Ethekon stated the commission would consult security agencies to assess conditions on the ground.
Separately, Linda Mwananchi spokesperson Caroli Omondi accused the government of deploying state resources including cash and projects to influence voters. He compared the situation to the 1995 Kipipiri by-election and criticised the IEBC for remaining silent on the alleged misuse of public funds.
The by-election pits Democracy for the Citizens Party candidate Kamau Ngotho against United Democratic Alliance candidate Samuel Nyaga. Neither the government nor the IEBC had responded to the Linda Mwananchi claims by the time of publication.