The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has fined Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria Sh2.5 million for violating the Electoral Code of Conduct. Formally issued on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the harsh financial penalty targets unlawful campaign utterances made ahead of Thursday’s high-stakes Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
Gikaria faces immediate suspension from all commission-supervised activities if he fails to pay within a strict 48-hour window.
The severe disciplinary action stems from video evidence capturing Gikaria engaging in flagrant voter inducement and spreading disinformation. While campaigning for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyaga, the lawmaker was filmed dishing out cash to sway the electorate.
Furthermore, the commission found him guilty of misrepresenting critical statutory voting procedures by falsely claiming that citizens do not need national identification cards to vote.
The ruling highlights a growing zero-tolerance stance from the electoral body amid rising political hostility in Nyandarua County. Gikaria is the second legislator penalized this week, following a Sh1.5 million fine imposed on Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia for inciting statements in the same constituency.
After the legislator snubbed three consecutive summons, the enforcement committee proceeded to deliver its guilty verdict on all three counts in his absence.
“The Honorable David Gikaria is hereby condemned to pay a fine of Kenya Shillings 2.5 million within 48 hours of this determination,” stated Dr. Moses Alutalala Mukhwana, Chairperson of the IEBC Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee. Mukhwana directed the lawmaker to issue a public apology and ordered the authenticated evidence referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for potential criminal prosecution under the Election Offences Act.
The penalty aims to restore regulatory authority as fractions clash aggressively over the vacant parliamentary seat. Despite widespread reports of voter bribery and gang-related violence, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon confirmed that the Ol Kalou poll will proceed as scheduled.
The commission warns that any politician attempting to disrupt the polling stations under the guise of being a political agent will face immediate arrest.
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