IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon/SCREENGRAB
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned politicians and their supporters against violence and intimidation as Ol Kalou prepares for its parliamentary by-election, saying it has received reports that groups of suspected goons are being mobilised to disrupt the electoral process.
Speaking at a joint press briefing with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja after the close of campaigns, IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the commission was concerned by incidents that could threaten the peaceful conduct of the election.
He said reports of groups of suspected goons moving around parts of the constituency had raised concerns for the commission as it prepares to conduct a credible poll.
"We, as a commission, note with concern that there have been incidents that have raised a red flag as we carry out our mandate of facilitating Kenyans to elect their representatives," Ethekon said.
"We have seen situations where goons are mobilised to intimidate and disrupt peaceful campaigns and the peaceful business of people in the affected electoral areas. Ol Kalou has not been spared."
Ethekon said the commission had also received reports alleging that some of the groups were being facilitated by political actors.
"There are reports of goons roaming around, and of course facilitated by some of the actors or players," he said.
Although campaigns have officially ended, the IEBC chair urged candidates, political parties and their supporters to maintain peace throughout the voting and tallying process.
"We wish to call upon all political parties, the candidates themselves and their supporters to refrain from any acts that will constitute violence and breach of the Electoral Code of Conduct because we want this election in Ol Kalou to be the most peaceful and the most successful, conducted in an atmosphere that will allow for a credible, free, fair and transparent election," he said.
Ethekon said the commission would continue enforcing the Electoral Code of Conduct and would not hesitate to take action against anyone found to have violated electoral laws.
"As you have seen in the last few days, we have summoned some politicians over allegations of engaging in electoral malpractices. We have taken action on some of them, including fining some of them and requiring them to again sign the code with us," he said.
Kanja, who was accompanied by his two deputies and the DCI boss, assured residents that adequate security personnel had been deployed across the constituency to safeguard voters, election officials and election materials.
He urged residents to remain peaceful, obey the law and report any incidents that could interfere with the electoral process.
The commission, however, expressed confidence that the poll would be free, fair, transparent and peaceful.
