IEBC fines Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia Ksh1.5M over controversial Ol Kalou remarks
By Faith Lagat, July 10, 2026The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has fined Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia Ksh1.5 million for breaching the Electoral Code of Conduct over remarks made during a political rally in Nyandarua County.
The decision was delivered on Friday, July 10, 2026, by the IEBC Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee sitting at the commission’s headquarters in Nairobi.
In a ruling read by Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana, the committee found that Muhia had violated Paragraph 6A of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
“The committee has established that the respondent has violated paragraph 6A. The complaint has been proved on the balance of probabilities, being the standard applicable to these quasi-judicial proceedings,” the committee ruled.
Penalty and apology
The committee ordered the Kipipiri legislator to pay a fine of Ksh1.5 million within 72 hours.
“Condemns and directs the Hon’ble Wanjiku Muhia to pay a fine of Kenya shillings 1,500,000 to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission within 72 hours of reading of this judgment.”
Muhia was also directed to issue a public apology by July 13, 2026.
The committee further warned that failure to comply with the orders or any future breach of the Electoral Code of Conduct could attract additional sanctions.
“Issues a stern warning to the Honourable Wanjiku Muhia that failure to comply with the orders issued herein or any subsequent violation of the electoral code of conduct shall attract further sanctions as are provided for under the Elections Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct, including but not limited to issuing an order barring her from contesting in any further election conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.”
The committee made no order as to costs before concluding the matter.
Remarks under scrutiny
The complaint arose from remarks Muhia made during a political rally in Ol Kalou Constituency, where she urged residents to monitor outsiders whom she said could be brought into the constituency to influence the by-election.
“We will not allow people to be brought from other counties to vote in Ol Kalou. Ol Kalou people know each other in clans, and we will not allow voters from outside to take part in the by-elections,” she said.
She also spoke of people she described as “goons and criminals” interfering with the electoral process and urged residents to remain vigilant.
The committee found that the remarks were capable of promoting intimidation, hostility and violence, contrary to the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Proceedings before committee
The case comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
Muhia had earlier been summoned by detectives in Ol Kalou before appearing before the IEBC committee.
During proceedings on July 2, her legal team objected to the composition of the committee, arguing that the matter should be heard by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon and Vice Chairperson Fahima Araphat. The committee dismissed the objection and proceeded with the hearing.
The ruling follows recent concerns raised by the commission over conduct during campaigns in Ol Kalou, including reports of voter bribery, intimidation and violence.
The committee said its decision was based on the evidence presented, the submissions made during the proceedings and the applicable law.
Muhia is required to comply with the orders issued within the timelines set by the committee, failing which further action may be taken under the Elections Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct.