Linda Mwananchi Changes Campaign Plans Over Security Fears Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election
The group said the decision was intended to avoid escalating tensions and prevent any developments that could interfere with the conduct of the July 16 parliamentary by-election.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
The Linda Mwananchi movement has altered its campaign programme ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, claiming it received intelligence about an alleged plot to disrupt its activities through violence.
In a statement issued on Saturday, July 11, the movement announced that it had suspended its planned campaign tour of Ol Kalou Constituency and would instead hold engagements in neighbouring Nyahururu.
The group said the decision was intended to avoid escalating tensions and prevent any developments that could interfere with the conduct of the July 16 parliamentary by-election.
According to the statement, Linda Mwananchi alleged that individuals had been mobilised from outside the constituency to target its campaign convoy during the planned tour of Ol Kalou.
The movement claimed the alleged attacks were intended to provoke confrontations that could later be used to justify heightened security measures and disrupt the electoral process.
It did not provide evidence to support the allegations, and the claims had not been independently verified by authorities at the time of publication.
Campaign Redirected to Nyahururu
Linda Mwananchi said relocating its campaign activities to Nyahururu reflected its commitment to ensuring the by-election proceeds as scheduled.
The movement said holding the poll without disruption remained in the interest of both Ol Kalou residents and the country.
“As we believe that holding the by-election without any delay is the overwhelming desire of the people of Ol Kalou and Kenyans at large, Linda Mwananchi will instead tour Nyahururu,” the statement said.
The group also appealed to voters in Ol Kalou to participate peacefully in the election and reject attempts at voter bribery or intimidation.
In its message to supporters, the movement quoted the late freedom fighter Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, urging residents to remain steadfast in defending democratic values while maintaining peace throughout the electoral period.
IEBC Raises Concern Over Rising Tensions
The statement comes days after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Ol Kalou ahead of the by-election.
The electoral commission warned that continued incidents of violence, destruction of campaign materials, voter bribery and alleged use of hired gangs could undermine the credibility of the poll.
IEBC said persistent breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct could force the commission to postpone or cancel the July 16 by-election if conditions do not allow for a peaceful and credible vote.
The commission urged political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and comply with electoral laws to safeguard the integrity of the election.
Call for Peaceful Polls
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has drawn increased political attention, with security agencies and election officials closely monitoring the situation amid growing concerns over campaign-related violence.
Authorities have continued to call on all political actors to conduct peaceful campaigns, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and respect the rule of law to ensure voters can exercise their democratic rights freely and without intimidation.
The July 16 by-election is expected to test the country’s commitment to peaceful elections as stakeholders work to prevent violence and maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
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