Matiang’i questions IEBC silence over govt officials’ involvement in Ol Kalou campaigns
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 11, 2026Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has criticised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over what he described as its silence regarding the involvement of Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) and Principal Secretaries (PSs) in campaigns for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
Speaking to the press after attending a church service in Embu on Saturday, July 11, 2026, the Jubilee Party deputy leader claimed that senior government officials had actively participated in the campaigns in support of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Samuel Muchina.
“The PSs, CSs and other civil servants are blatantly engaging in political activities in a manner that shows they are completely untouchable. The IEBC could do as much as a warning letter,” Matiang’i stated.
IEBC’s silence
Matiang’i argued that the electoral commission had failed to respond to the officials’ political activities, saying it had not even issued a statement or warning despite what he termed as clear involvement in partisan campaigns.
According to the former CS, the officials’ participation was intended to drum up support for the ruling party’s candidate ahead of the by-election.
Matiang’i further expressed concern over the IEBC’s handling of the mini poll, warning that if the commission manages the 2027 General Election in the same manner it has handled recent by-elections, the country risks reverting to past electoral challenges.
Gachagua’s concern
Speaking at the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) headquarters in Nairobi on Friday, July 10, 2026, Gachagua said the commission should demonstrate its capacity by successfully managing the July 16 by-election.
“If IEBC cannot manage a by-election, how will it conduct the General Election?” he asked. He said the incidents reported in Ol Kalou did not justify discussions on postponing the election.
Gachagua said the constituency had experienced isolated cases of campaign-related disturbances, including destruction of campaign materials, but maintained the situation did not warrant cancellation of the poll.