Ol Kalou by-elections: DCP candidate Kamau faults IEBC over campaign malpractice
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, July 9, 2026The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru, has accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of failing to act on what he has said are campaign malpractices happening ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, despite political parties committing themselves to the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Speaking in an interview with Kameme FM on Thursday, July 9, 2026, Kamau said his team had raised concerns with the electoral commission over incidents of alleged voter bribery and the destruction of campaign materials but said no action had been taken.
“We signed the Electoral Code of Conduct, and we committed to abide by it. I wonder why the IEBC has not taken any action. We are seeing cases of voter bribery in broad daylight, and our billboards have been destroyed, but despite raising concerns, no action has been taken. When we signed the code of conduct, we expected it to be enforced,” Kamau said.
The parliamentary hopeful has argued that the credibility of the by-election depended on the commission enforcing the rules equally for all candidates, saying the code of conduct signed by aspirants should not remain a mere formality.
The DCP candidate maintained that failure to address reported violations could undermine public confidence in the electoral process, urging the commission to act decisively against any individual or party found flouting election laws.
Kamau expresses victory-confidence
Despite his concerns, Kamau expressed confidence that he would emerge victorious in the July 16 contest, saying the electorate was ready to vote for change.
He appealed to residents of Ol Kalou to turn out in large numbers on polling day, insisting that every vote would count in determining the constituency’s future.
Kamau also urged voters not to be swayed by what he described as government-sponsored voter bribery, arguing that temporary handouts should not influence the choice of leadership.
According to the DCP candidate, residents should vote based on the leadership they believe can effectively represent their interests rather than on short-term incentives offered during campaigns.
The Ol Kalou by-election has attracted intense political attention, with both government-backed and opposition-backed camps making a final push for votes. The campaigns have been marked by accusations and counter-accusations, including claims of voter bribery and destruction of campaign materials, allegations that remain politically contested.
With the Ol Kalou by-election slated for July 16, just six days away, Kamau said the electoral commission should move swiftly to address complaints raised by candidates to safeguard the credibility of the poll.