Alutalala raises concern over night violence ahead of Ol Kalou by-election
By Faith Lagat, July 9, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has raised concern over the security situation in Ol Kalou, warning that incidents reported at night could affect the credibility of the parliamentary by-election scheduled for July 16.
Speaking during an interview on Thursday, July 9, 2026, IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana said reports of violence and unrest in the constituency had become a major concern for the commission.
He echoed remarks made earlier by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon on the situation in the constituency.
“During the day, all seems well in Ol Kalou, but when nightfall comes, madness descends,” he said.
Mukhwana said the commission was worried by reports of night-time disturbances, adding that such incidents undermine the constitutional requirement for elections to reflect the free will of the people.
He noted that a confrontation reported on the night of July 1 resulted in the death of one person, saying insecurity creates fear among voters and affects their ability to participate freely in the electoral process.
Security concerns
Mukhwana said elections must be conducted in an environment where voters are free from intimidation, violence and other forms of interference.
He said the commission was monitoring the situation closely and gathering information from officers on the ground to establish the full picture.
The commissioner said insecurity, together with other reported electoral offences, poses a challenge to preparations for the by-election.
Earlier, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon warned that the commission could postpone or cancel the July 16 poll if the environment remained unsuitable for a free and fair election.
“We will be left with no choice other than to take the most unfortunate and drastic step,” Ethekon said.
The chairperson also cited widespread voter bribery in some areas, destruction of campaign materials and interference by state officials beyond their normal responsibilities during the campaign period.
Political reactions
Political leaders continued to respond to developments surrounding the by-election.
The Linda Mwananchi movement criticised the commission over what it described as silence on the use of state resources during campaigns, citing the distribution of LPG cylinders in the constituency by government officials.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru said complaints presented to the commission had not been acted upon despite political parties signing the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna criticised the commission, saying it should take action against individuals violating electoral laws instead of issuing general warnings affecting all parties.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, in a Facebook post, said there were plans to “unleash goons” over the weekend to create chaos that would lead to postponement of the by-election.
Commission monitoring situation
Mukhwana said the commission was continuing with investigations into the reported incidents as it monitored compliance with electoral laws ahead of polling day.
He said the commission would establish the full picture before making any further decisions on the issues raised during the campaigns.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election was occasioned by the death of MP David Njuguna Kiaraho and has attracted candidates from UDA, DCP and other political parties.
The constituency has drawn national attention as campaigns intensify ahead of the July 16 vote.
The IEBC says it remains committed to conducting a credible election while continuing to work with relevant agencies to address reported electoral offences and security concerns before polling day.