The High Court has issued orders temporarily halting sanctions imposed by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) against Nakuru Town East Member of Parliament David Gikaria, just hours before the Ol Kalou constituency by-election scheduled for July 16.
What the IEBC Sanctioned
The IEBC had fined Gikaria KSh 2.5 million and ordered him to issue a public apology after it found he had made remarks likely to incite voters or interfere with the by-election campaign environment. The commission warned that any further violations could lead to stiffer penalties or disqualification actions.
Gikaria’s Legal Challenge
Through his lawyers, Gikaria moved to the High Court arguing the fine was excessive and that the IEBC had acted outside its mandate in sanctioning a serving Member of Parliament without due process. The court agreed to hear the matter urgently and issued the conservatory order pending a full hearing set for July 23.
Ol Kalou By-Election at the Centre
The Ol Kalou seat in Nyandarua County fell vacant following the death of the sitting MP. The contest has attracted intense national interest because it is seen as a litmus test for the political loyalty of the Mt Kenya region. The IEBC has deployed over 1,000 police officers to maintain order during the polls.
Over a dozen candidates are on the ballot, with the UDA and opposition-backed candidates considered the frontrunners. Results are expected by the evening of July 16.
IEBC’s Warning to Voters
Separately, the IEBC issued stern warnings against voter bribery and ballot interference, stating that anyone caught will face criminal charges. The commission also confirmed that all polling stations will open at 6:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM East Africa Time.
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