Omanyo Hails IEBC for Peaceful Conduct of Ol Kalou By-Election
By Emmanuel Jumaah
Acting ODM Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo has praised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for what she termed the peaceful, transparent, and efficient conduct of the Ol Kalou by-election in Nyandarua County, saying the exercise marked a significant step in restoring public confidence in the country's electoral process.
Speaking a day after the conclusion of the by-election, Omanyo said the poll was conducted in an orderly manner, with no confirmed cases of electoral malpractice or disputes over the outcome. She commended election officials, security agencies, political parties, and voters to ensure a peaceful process throughout the voting and tallying exercise.
"The successful management of the Ol Kalou by-election demonstrates that the IEBC is capable of delivering credible, transparent, and widely acceptable elections when it strictly adheres to the Constitution, electoral laws, and principles of accountability," Hon Catherine Omanyo
She argued that the by-election should serve as a benchmark for future elections, adding that the Commission has an opportunity to rebuild public trust following concerns that have surrounded previous electoral contests. She urged the electoral body to remain impartial and continue strengthening public confidence through professionalism and transparency.
Also, she appealed to political leaders to avoid making inflammatory statements that could undermine public confidence or incite tension among supporters. Instead, she called on all political actors to respect democratic institutions, allow the IEBC to execute its constitutional mandate independently, and wait for the official declaration of results before making pronouncements.
"Political competition should not come at the expense of national cohesion. Leaders have a responsibility to promote peace and respect the democratic process, regardless of the outcome," SG Catherine Omanyo
On recent Changes in Parliament, Omanyo dismissed assertions that the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his Senate leadership position was politically orchestrated maintaining that the decision was reached in accordance with established parliamentary procedures and existing legal provisions rather than political considerations.
She said institutional decisions should not be interpreted through a political lens where due process has been followed, stressing that Parliament has its own rules governing leadership changes.
Omanyo further called on Kenyans to support constitutional institutions by allowing them to discharge their responsibilities independently and within the confines of the law, saying respect for the rule of law remains essential in safeguarding the country's democratic gains.
