LSK Opposes Calls to Delay Ol Kalou By-Election, Wants Electoral Offenders Prosecuted

July 14, 2026 4

By Brighton Okoth

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to proceed with the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, saying allegations of voter bribery, violence and other electoral offences should be addressed through the law rather than by postponing the poll.

In a statement released on Monday, the society argued that cancelling or delaying the election would unfairly deny constituents their constitutional right to elect a representative. It maintained that Kenya’s electoral laws already provide sufficient penalties for individuals found culpable of electoral malpractice.

LSK President Charles Kanjama said investigations, criminal prosecutions, fines and disqualification proceedings should be pursued against offenders instead of making voters bear the consequences of unlawful conduct by candidates or political actors.

“The disenfranchisement of voters should never become the default consequence of misconduct committed by candidates, political actors or public officials,” Kanjama said. “Existing legal mechanisms provide adequate sanctions against electoral offenders, including investigations, prosecutions, fines, disqualification proceedings and other statutory remedies,” LSK President Charles Kanjama said.

Calling for accountability, LSK asked the IEBC to enforce electoral laws without fear or favour and ensure that all those implicated are subjected to the legal process. It also appealed to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the National Police Service to investigate every reported electoral offence and prosecute those found responsible.

Current chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission of Kenya (IEBC), Erastus Edung Lokaale Ethekon.

The society said electoral offences go beyond political competition, warning that such acts undermine constitutional governance and weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.

As part of its oversight role, LSK announced that it will deploy accredited observers to monitor the by-election. It said the exercise will assess compliance with constitutional principles, electoral laws and democratic standards, with the findings expected to inform recommendations on improving electoral accountability and transparency.

The lawyers’ body further described the Ol Kalou contest as an important measure of Kenya’s electoral preparedness ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the response by State institutions to the reported irregularities will shape public trust in future elections.

The statement comes as debate continues over whether Thursday’s by-election should proceed. Last week, IEBC warned that it could postpone or cancel the poll following reports of widespread voter bribery and violence that has claimed one life.