Elections Observation Group (ELOG) Chairman Victor Nyongesa briefs media on July 15, 2026 ahead of the Ol Kalou by-elections set for Thursday in asking the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure an election free from violence.
The Elections Observation Group (Elog) has declared the environment in Ol Kalou “compromised”, citing claims of vote-buying, voter inducement, campaign disruptions and violence ahead of the by-election today.
The National Police Service has heightened security measures across the constituency, including a ban on the use of unmarked vehicles and increased patrols.
IEBC Commissioner Hassan Noor, who is overseeing the by-election, said security agencies seized an unmarked car and that its owner would be taken to court.
“Moving in and out of the constituency will be regulated,” Mr Noor said.
Police mounted checkpoints on roads linking Ol Kalou and Gilgil, Nakuru and neighbouring constituencies yesterday.
Officers have been deployed from different parts of the country and are being coordinated by commanders in Nyandarua.
IEBC officials, on July 15, 2026 inspect election materials at Ol Kalou Senior School ahead of the Constituency by-election, scheduled for July 16, 2026.
Elog made public its preliminary assessment, saying the integrity of the electoral process had been undermined by malpractices.
It said the findings were based on reports submitted by 15 observers deployed to the constituency’s five wards to monitor election preparations, political activities, campaign financing, security and voter education.
“While we note progress in election preparation by the IEBC, reports of vote-buying, inducements, alleged attempts to buy identity cards, campaign disruptions and violence raise concerns about the integrity of the process and public confidence in the by-election. Elog considers the environment to be compromised,” Elog chairperson Victor Nyongesa said.
The lobby added that 92 per cent of observer reports indicate election officials have been trained. However, voter education remains limited, with only 45 per cent of observer reports indicating the IEBC conducted voter education activities, while 54 per cent reported similar initiatives by the civil society.
According to Elog, 15 per cent of observer reports cited claims that parties or independent candidates attempted to buy identity cards from locals, particularly in Mirangine and Karau wards.
Campaigns were also disrupted, with 33.2 per cent of observer reports indicating incidents that limited candidates’ ability to engage voters freely.
Elog documented the use of inducements during campaigns. Some 79 per cent of observer reports indicated that projects were launched during the campaigns in a manner perceived to influence voter support for particular candidates or parties.
Election materials at Ol Kalou Senior School on July 15, 2026 for the constituency's by-election, scheduled for July 16, 2026.
Additionally, 86 per cent of the reports documented the distribution of food, household items and campaign materials to voters, while 43 per cent showed politicians organised harambees during the campaigns.
Observers also reported claims of vote buying involving actors from nearly all participating parties, though the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) featured most prominently in the reports.
The inducements included cash, ranging from Sh200 to more than Sh5,000, as well as gas cylinders, mattresses, shoes and other items.
One reported method involved the disbursement of Sh1,000 to groups of three people.
Despite the concerns, candidates expressed differing views on IEBC preparedness.
Jubilee candidate Wilson Kigwa said he has confidence in the IEBC and cautioned against calls for supporters to camp at polling stations and tallying centres.
UDA candidate Muchina Nyaga said his party’s agents had participated in training sessions and verified the distribution of election materials.
However, Nyandarua Senator John Methu and East African Legislative Assembly MP Kanini Kega said they have no confidence in the electoral agency.
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