IEBC receives Sh400m in readiness for by-elections

By JAMES MBAKA

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has received Sh400 million to conduct next month’s by-elections.

With the release of the funds, IEBC chairman Issack Hassan said the electoral body was ready for the by-elections slated for December 2 and 19.

Mr Hassan warned against premature campaigns, saying it amounted to electoral offences that could lead to disqualification of candidates.

Hassan said the electoral body would be watching to apprehend and prosecute those who breach the law.

“I call upon candidates to strictly observe the electoral code of conduct, especially during the campaign period,” Hassan said in a statement.

He also appealed to voters to turn up in large numbers so that the decisions made truly reflect the wishes of the majority in all the 12 electoral areas.

The Lamu senatorial by-election and Lunga Lunga constituency poll will be held on December 2.

The second batch of by-elections will be held on December 19 to elect a Bungoma senator as well as leaders for Bomachoge Borabu and Nyaribari Chache constituencies, and seven county wards including Mua (Machakos), Balambala (Garissa), Igoji West (Meru), Mugogondo (Laikipia), Mogondo (Narok), Kabisanga (Nandi) and Bobaracho (Kisii).

IEBC said it would deploy Electronic Voter Identification Devices and Results transmission systems needed for the by-elections and that training of electoral officials on electoral laws was ongoing.