Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader and former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala has accused security agencies of attempting to intimidate voters during the ongoing Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, saying that a heavy police presence was intended to create fear and suppress voter turnout.

Speaking at a press conference from Ol Kalou on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Malala noted that the deployment of police officers was designed to portray the constituency as volatile and discourage residents from participating in the electoral process.

“The motive was to intimidate our voters, to insinuate an incident where there was a lot of tension in the area, but I thank the people of Ol Kalou who have snubbed that signal and turned out in large numbers. We believe that even if you brought the entire brigade of the police force here today, the will of the people of Ol Kalou will not be interfered with,” Malala said.

IEBC calls for peaceful voting

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has urged voters to remain peaceful and report any electoral malpractice through the appropriate channels as polling continues.

Security agencies have maintained that the deployment of officers is intended to safeguard voters, election officials, polling stations, and election materials while ensuring the by-election is conducted in a peaceful, secure, free, and fair environment.

Voting is underway in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election; polling stations opened at 6.00 a.m. as residents turned out early to elect their new Member of Parliament.

Taking it to their X handles on Thursday, July 16, 2026, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said polling centres will remain open until 5.00 p.m., adding that any time lost due to interruptions during the day will be compensated for at the close of voting. The commission also assured voters that everyone in the queue by 5.00 p.m. will be allowed to cast their ballot.

High-stakes contest draws national attention

His remarks came as voting continued across the constituency under heightened security, with police maintaining a visible presence at polling stations and key access roads to ensure law and order throughout the exercise.

The Ol Kalou by-election has attracted national political attention, with the contest shaping up as a fierce battle between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

The race is being closely watched as a barometer of the country’s shifting political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election.