Malava By-Election: IEBC Confirms No Formal Bribery Complaints Filed

By : Mweru Mbugua 

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has dismissed allegations of voter bribery in the upcoming Malava by-election, stating that no formal complaints have been lodged with the commission

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon clarified during an interview on NTV Kenya on Tuesday, November 25, that while viral videos showing alleged giveaways, including mattresses, have circulated online, the commission cannot act without a formal report

“We have seen those videos circulating, and we cannot verify exactly what those videos are

There is a procedure for addressing such issues. Any candidate or party with concerns must report them through the proper channels to the returning officer,” Ethekon said

He emphasized that action would only follow if evidence is formally submitted and proven, noting that as of now, no candidate or political party has filed an official complaint

Ethekon also reminded contestants to uphold constitutional standards ahead of the November 27 vote

Article 81 of the Constitution requires elections to be free from bribery, intimidation, violence, and harassment

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Both the Elections Act and the Election Offenses Act provide clear rules prohibiting any acts intended to sway voters unlawfully

“If the allegations are indeed true after proper investigations, action will be taken,” the IEBC chief warned

He added that the commission is in the final stages of preparations for the by-election

This statement comes amid public debate and viral social media content raising concerns about the credibility of the mini-poll, but IEBC insists that unverified online content is not sufficient to trigger formal investigations