IEBC completes probe into claims Charles Keter engaged in electoral malpractices

Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter. PHOTO: FILE

NAIROBI: The electoral agency has completed a probe into the alleged violation of poll laws by a top government official.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) yesterday said recommendations against Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter and other State officers accused of electoral offenses would be made public upon adoption by the commission's tribunal.

IEBC Chief Executive Officer Ezra Chiloba said the IEBC's investigations and prosecution department had completed examining the matter and submitted its report for adoption before it could be "shared by the public soon".

"We have made progress with the investigations and we will soon share the recommendations once they are adopted," he said during an open reform over electoral reforms at Strathmore University.

Mr Chiloba said the commission was working closely with the police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to bring electoral offenders to book.

He said Mr Keter was one of the "many individuals being investigated" by the agency for violating poll laws.

The officers risk being imprisoned for a term not exceeding three years or fined Sh1 million should the commission find them culpable of participating in the Kericho senatorial by-election campaigns.

Keter is accused of participating in the campaigns despite being barred by the Constitution.

At the same time, Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua and former Law Society of Kenya Chief Executive Officer Appolo Mboya asked the agency to punish its staff for committing electoral malpractices.

"It is the duty of the electoral commission to come down hard on candidates and parties who violate the law," said Ms Karua.

She added, "There should be personal penalties for anyone committing electoral offenses."

Kanu had raised questions over use of public resources to campaign for Jubilee's candidates in Kericho.