Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has accused opposition leaders of applying double standards in their reaction to election outcomes following the recently concluded Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

Speaking in Baringo Central on Friday, July 17, 2026, Murkomen said some opposition leaders only accept election results when they win but quickly question the credibility of the electoral process whenever they lose. 

Murkomen lauds IEBC

He maintained that Kenyans should appreciate the establishment of a credible and independent Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), saying the commission conducted the Ol Kalou by-election professionally.

The Cabinet Secretary added that if there were any reports of security lapses, violence, or irregularities during the by-election, the government would conduct thorough investigations and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Warning over goonism

Murkomen warned that goonism, political violence, and intimidation have no place in Kenya’s democracy. He said the government remains committed to safeguarding peace before, during, and after elections, stressing that no individual or political group would be allowed to disrupt public order.

He further revealed that the Inspector General of Police has been directed to take firm action against anyone involved in violence, destruction of property, or acts of hooliganism, regardless of their political affiliation.

“The era of political violence and goonism must come to an end. If there were any incidents during the Ol Kalou by-election, they will be investigated, and those responsible will face the law,” Murkomen said.

UDA suffers major setback

Murkomen’s remarks come barely a day after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declared Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Waweru Kamau the winner of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

Official results released by the electoral commission showed Waweru garnered 35,440 votes, defeating UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyaga, who secured 5,450 votes in one of the most closely watched by-elections since the 2022 General Election.

The contest, occasioned by the death of former Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, attracted national attention after it evolved into a political showdown between President Ruto’s UDA and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP.

Senior Kenya Kwanza leaders, including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretaries and Members of Parliament, campaigned extensively for the UDA candidate, while Gachagua personally led DCP’s campaigns.