Olkalou parliamentary seat candidate Samuel Muchina alleged that a vehicle carrying his campaign agents was set ablaze in the Mugumo area on the eve of the election, though he noted that the situation was eventually brought under control.

Additionally, this morning of the voting day, he claimed to have witnessed individuals distributing money to voters, which he characterized as bribery.

Muchina stated his intention to report these bribery allegations to the police, emphasizing his commitment to abiding by the law.

The by-election was marked by significant tension, with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) issuing warnings that the poll could be postponed or cancelled if violence and bribery allegations persisted.

Political leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, criticized the IEBC’s response, accusing the commission of failing to take decisive action against those involved in electoral offenses.

Despite the incidents, the UDA candidate said security officers had been deployed across the constituency, helping maintain order during the exercise.

He also encouraged residents who had not yet voted to turn out and cast their ballots.

Muchina expressed confidence of winning the by-election but said he would accept the outcome if he lost.

“I am ready for the outcome because I know I am winning. If I lose, it’s also okay. I will follow the law,” he said.

Early in the week, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission appealed to residents and voters in Ol Kalou to report any cases of bribery or corruption during the by-election.

EACC Director of Preventive Services Vincent Okongo said the commission is working with other agencies to ensure the by-election is conducted free of corruption and other unethical practices.