Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia has been fined Ksh1.5 million by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over remarks she allegedly made during a political rally in Nyandarua County.
The commission also ordered her to issue a public apology and warned that failure to comply with its directives could result in further penalties, including being barred from participating in future elections.
The decision was made by the IEBC Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee after reviewing evidence and submissions presented during the proceedings.
According to the committee, Muhia was found to have violated provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct through statements that were considered capable of inciting hostility, intimidation, hatred, and violence among members of the public.
In its ruling, the committee stated that the complaint against the legislator had been proved on the balance of probabilities, which is the standard applied in such quasi-judicial proceedings. The committee said the evidence presented was sufficient to establish that the lawmaker had breached paragraph 6A of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Speaking on Friday, July 10, IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana said the committee reached its decision after carefully considering the applicable law, the arguments made by all parties, and both oral and documentary evidence presented before it.
As part of the sanctions issued, Muhia was directed to pay the Ksh1.5 million fine within 72 hours from the time the judgment was delivered. The committee also issued a formal warning, instructing her to avoid making similar remarks in the future.
The controversy stems from comments allegedly made by the MP during a political rally in Nyandarua County. During the event, she reportedly urged residents to organise themselves into groups of ten and monitor people they considered outsiders. The remarks quickly attracted public attention after videos circulated widely on social media.
The statements generated criticism from various sections of society, including political leaders and members of the public who argued that such remarks could fuel division and tension within communities. The growing concern eventually led to intervention by both electoral and investigative authorities.
Before the IEBC proceedings, Muhia had been summoned by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Ol Kalou to record a statement concerning allegations of incitement arising from the same remarks.
The electoral commission has maintained that political leaders have a responsibility to conduct campaigns in a manner that promotes peace and national unity. The commission has repeatedly warned candidates and elected leaders against making statements that could undermine peaceful political engagement, especially during election-related activities.
Commissioner Mukhwana further warned that failure by Muhia to comply with the committee’s orders could attract additional sanctions under the Elections Act. These include the possibility of being barred from participating in elections conducted by the IEBC.
The commissioner announced that Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria had also been summoned to appear before the committee over alleged violations of the Electoral Code of Conduct during the ongoing Ol Kalou by-election campaigns.
According to Mukhwana, the summons followed remarks by Gikaria in which he openly admitted distributing Ksh1.2 million to crowds during a political rally, claiming the money had been allocated for distribution within specific wards.
The developments signal a tougher approach by the IEBC as it seeks to enforce electoral laws and hold political leaders accountable for their conduct during campaign activities.
With the Ol Kalou by-election attracting significant political attention, the commission appears determined to ensure that candidates and their supporters adhere to the rules governing elections and public political engagements.
