IEBC Fines UDA MP Ksh 2.5M Over Explosive Ol Kalou Remarks Days After Muhia’s Penalty
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has fined Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria Ksh2.5 million for allegedly making inflammatory remarks during the Ol Kalou by-election campaign.
Addressing the press on Tuesday, July 14, IEBC’s Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee, led by Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana, ordered the lawmaker to pay the fine within 48 hours.
In addition to the fine, the Commission directed Gikaria to issue a public apology by Wednesday, July 15, warning that failure to comply could attract further sanctions under the Electoral Code of Conduct.
“The honourable David Gikaria is hereby issued a severe formal warning to cease from making statements that imply financial inducement or reward to the electorate,” said Muhkwana.
“That the honourable David Gikaria is hereby condemned to pay Sh2.5 million within 48 hours of this determination,” he added.
The ruling followed proceedings after Gikaria failed to appear before the panel despite being summoned several times to respond to complaints over his campaign remarks.
The vocal lawmaker is accused of breaching the Electoral Code of Conduct by allegedly engaging in voter bribery.
Gikaria openly admitted to spending Ksh1.2 million in a single day while campaigning for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Nyagah.
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Explaining the committee’s reasoning, Mukhwana said the panel considered the broader political context and concluded that Gikaria deliberately exploited public expectations surrounding political rallies.
“This committee is aware of the Kenyan political landscape,” Mukhwana said.
“It is particularly aware of the behaviours of some Kenyans where money is mentioned and the Kenyan culture of associating politics and handouts.”
The committee further noted that it believed Gikaria, as a seasoned politician, understood the influence such statements could have on voters.
“It is obvious that the respondent is aware of this fact and was using it to lure people to attend political events where he drummed up support for his preferred candidate in the upcoming by-election,” the Commissioner added.
Gikaria’s penalty came barely four days after the same committee fined Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia Ksh1.5 million over inflammatory remarks she made at a rally in the same constituency.
IEBC Fines UDA MP Ksh 2.5M Over Explosive Ol Kalou Remarks Days After Muhia’s Penalty
