Former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri has criticised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), saying delayed action over events in Ol Kalou could erode public confidence in the electoral body ahead of the parliamentary by-election.

Speaking during an interview on Thursday, July 9, 2026, Ngunjiri said State institutions had failed to act in good time despite growing concerns over the conduct of campaigns in the constituency.

“We have institutions, but they are not working. Now they are stepping in when it is too late, completely too late,” he said.

“If anything happens there, nobody will trust the IEBC because it has allowed the situation to reach this point. We have a very good Constitution and clear legal procedures, but who is using them? Nobody. We have abandoned them.”

The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election will be held on July 16 following the death of area MP David Njuguna Kiaraho.

The race has attracted several candidates, including UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru.

Money in politics

Ngunjiri also raised concern over the role of money in elections, saying campaigns should be based on candidates’ policies rather than financial influence.

“We are showing people that you can only be elected because of money. I know you can be elected simply by presenting your manifesto to the people. Many people are hiding behind the party with no agenda. We might end up electing the worst leaders in this country if we continue in this direction of voting based on party affiliation,” he said.

He added: “Where we are headed, this country is going to get worse. When you start bribing people with money, you are teaching them bad habits, and the upcoming elections are going to be very expensive.”

His remarks came as the IEBC continued to monitor reports of voter bribery, insecurity and other electoral offences in the constituency.

IEBC monitoring poll

IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana has expressed concern over voter bribery and night-time insecurity ahead of the poll.

“A free election assumes a character where the people exercise their free will. It is not a free will if there is improper influence,” Mukhwana said, citing Articles 81 and 10 of the Constitution.

Ethekon has warned that the commission could postpone or cancel the by-election if the environment does not support a free and fair election.

Political leaders have also weighed in on the situation.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said the commission should take action against individuals violating electoral laws instead of issuing general warnings.

DCP candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru said complaints over voter bribery and destruction of campaign materials had not received action despite political parties signing the Electoral Code of Conduct.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said there were plans to create chaos that would lead to postponement of the by-election, while the Linda Mwananchi movement criticised the commission over the use of state resources during campaigns.

The IEBC says investigations into the reported incidents are ongoing as preparations for the July 16 poll continue.