New elections body bares its teeth

Polls referee tries to eliminate electoral malpractices in Bomachoge and Shinyalu with arrests and prosecutions and disqualification of candidates.

The Bomachoge and Shinyalu by-elections are widely seen as tests of how well the new Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) in Kenya is prepared to conduct free and fair elections.

The IIEC, formed after the disgraced Electoral Commission of Kenya was disbanded following the disputed outcome of the 2007 General Election, has faced numerous challenges ahead of the August 27 by-elections.

As campaigning enters the final week, there have been reports of voter bribery, night campaigns, violence and other electoral malpractices.

However, if events in the recent weeks are anything to go by, the new electoral body has demonstrated that it has the nerve to confront challenges that left its predecessor with egg on its face.

So far the IIEC has taken a number of punitive measures against voters and aspirants who have flouted its code of conduct.

In Shinyalu, three people have been arraigned in court over allegations of vote -buying. And in Bomachoge, three others have been charged with campaigning beyond the allowed time and being violent.

The IIEC has also barred three candidates, one in Shinyalu and two in Bomachoge, from participating in the elections on various grounds.

Prof Zadock Ogutu, who was barred from contesting the Bomachoge election for allegedly presenting a forged voter card to IIEC officials, is facing charges in court.

The Commission officials who allegedly issued the card to Prof Ogutu, the would-be National Vision Party candidate, were also arrested.

A voter has gone to court seeking to stop the forthcoming by-election until the National Vision Party is given a chance to participate.

Ferdinand Obure, who wanted to contest on The Independent Party ticket, was also barred in the constituency after his party reportedly failed to surrender to IIEC signature samples and the party symbol.

In Shinyalu, the Safina candidate, Samuel Muhati, was disqualified for allegedly seeking to contest before resigning as a teacher.

Transparent manner

IIEC spokesman Andrew Limo said the electoral body was working on modalities to ensure the by-elections are conducted in a professional and transparent manner.

Mr Limo said efforts were being made to have the candidates comply with the IIEC code of conduct.

“The IIEC has also held meetings with political parties and aspirants to ensure they understand and comply with the election laws,” he said.

Mr Limo said a special committee including IIEC, Registrar of Political Parties and representatives of political parties has been formed and was working to make sure any issues are addressed.

“IIEC has engaged the security and law enforcers right from the start of the by-elections, and there have been arrests and prosecutions,” he said.