You gave us a credible Ol Kalou election, Methu tells IEBC

Nyandarua Senator John Methu has praised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for conducting what he described as a 'credible and believable Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.'

Speaking after the declaration of Democratic Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas as the MP-elect, Methu said the electoral agency had delivered a transparent and accurate election whose outcome reflected the will of the people.

“On behalf of our party (DCP), we are very happy and satisfied with the services we got from the IEBC. I feel you gave us a very credible, believable, accurate election,” he said.

Methu, who was among the most visible campaigners for Douglas throughout the by-election campaign, congratulated the MP-elect on his victory and thanked residents for turning out to vote despite the tense atmosphere that characterised parts of polling day.

He said the outcome demonstrated that democracy had prevailed and urged all leaders and residents to respect the decision made by the electorate.

While commending the electoral commission, Methu was quick to distinguish the conduct of the election from the security incidents witnessed during the day.

The senator condemned the violence, insisting it should never be normalised as part of Kenya's electoral process.

“We cannot normalise this kind of violence,” he said.

According to Methu, the incidents witnessed during the by-election appeared aimed at intimidating voters and suppressing turnout rather than arising from political rivalry between supporters of competing candidates.

“We can compete on ideas. There has not been any war here. We have never heard of UDA supporters fighting with DCP supporters here in Ol Kalou. It has never happened,” he said.

“Only goons being brought from outside who want to beat people from both parties.”

His remarks came after isolated incidents of unrest were reported in parts of Ol Kalou during the voting exercise.

The violence included confrontations involving armed, masked men, with tear gas canisters lobbed in several parts of the town.

Methu also recalled being surprised when the IEBC earlier indicated it was considering postponing the by-election over fears of possible violence.

He said the prospect of postponement caught many residents off guard because Ol Kalou has traditionally conducted peaceful elections.

“When IEBC said they were considering postponing the election because of possible violence, I was taken aback because Ol Kalou has never been known for violence,” he said.

He maintained that the constituency has a history of peaceful political competition and urged authorities to ensure future elections are protected from individuals intent on causing chaos.

Methu called on security agencies to strengthen the protection of voters.

The DCP leader expressed optimism that Douglas' victory would mark the beginning of a new chapter for Ol Kalou.