Ann Nderitu: IEBC summoned, fined suspects who breached code of conduct in Ol Kalou polls

According to Commissioner Nderitu, those found to have breached legal electoral provisions under the electoral code of conduct were subjected to harsh action.

She however maintained that the Commission ensured that no malpractice was witnessed in the by-election, particularly inside the polling station, noting that all deployed officers ensured that security and order was well maintained.

"In Ol Kalou, we summoned several people who breached the code of conduct. We took them through the process; we fined and warned them and did what the Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee is expected to do by law," she said during Citizen TV's Sunday Live show.

"Some went to court to challenge the decision of the Electoral Code of Conduct Committee; our process ends there because we have to wait for the verdict of the court. It would be wrong to accuse the IEBC of doing nothing."

Ms Nderitu, reckoned that the Commission is setting up a rigid security system to combat election malpractice in the run up to the 2027 General Election slated for August 10.

"Police officers who are sent to polling stations and tallying centres are electoral officials, those are usually under the IEBC during an election. They are usually under the command of the returning officer of that election. When we are dealing with polling stations, we train the police officers and brief them as electoral officials," she added.

She maintained that IEBC is committed to conduct a free and fair election, asserting that all votes will be fairly credited for.

"Where your vote is is where it will be counted," she held.

During the election day, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleged vote rigging, appealing to Ol Kalou residents to protect the votes at the polling stations from 'armed goons'.

IEBC Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan however dismissed his claims, expressing confidence in the large security detail deployed at the polling stations and noted that the votes will be counted following the conclusion of the voting process.