The Chairperson of Kenya’s electoral body, Erastus Ethekon, has addressed circulating videos that purportedly show voter bribery in the Malava constituency, stating that the commission cannot act without a formal complaint.
The controversy erupted after a video surfaced online appearing to show residents receiving money and food items from a candidate, sparking accusations of electoral malpractice. Seth Panyako, the DAP-K candidate in the upcoming by-election, publicly accused the administration of President William Ruto of voter bribery, intimidation, and possessing pre-marked ballot papers to rig the polls.
However, in an interview with NTV, IEBC Chairperson Ethekon clarified that the commission has not received any official complaint regarding the incident. He emphasized that the authenticity of the videos could not be immediately verified and that a formal investigation can only begin once the proper channels are used.
“I have seen those videos circulating, and we cannot verify exactly what those videos are,” Ethekon stated. “There is always a procedure for us to address such issues, and we urge that the concerned candidates report to the commission through the proper channels.”
Ethekon called on all political actors to adhere to the electoral code of conduct, specifically citing Article 81 of the Kenyan Constitution, which mandates that elections be free from violence, intimidation, and bribery. He warned of consequences for any breaches, reinforcing that the commission’s ability to ensure a free and fair process depends on candidates following established legal procedures.
By James Kisoo
