The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has imposed a Ksh2.5 million fine on Nakuru Town East Member of Parliament (MP) David Gikaria over alleged inflammatory remarks made during campaigns for the Ol Kalou by-election.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, July 14, the IEBC Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee, chaired by Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana, directed the MP to settle the fine within 48 hours.
The commission also ordered Gikaria to issue a public apology by Wednesday, July 15, warning that failure to comply would expose him to additional penalties under the Electoral Code of Conduct.
“The honourable David Gikaria is hereby issued a severe formal warning to cease from making statements that imply financial inducement or reward to the electorate,” said Mukhwana.
“That the honourable David Gikaria is hereby condemned to pay Ksh2.5 million within 48 hours of this determination,” he added.
The decision came after the legislator repeatedly failed to appear before the committee despite being summoned several times to answer complaints arising from his campaign statements.
Gikaria is accused of violating the Electoral Code of Conduct through alleged voter bribery after publicly stating that he spent Ksh1.2 million in a single day while campaigning for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Nyagah.
Explaining the basis for the penalty, Mukhwana said the committee took into account Kenya's political environment and found that Gikaria intentionally capitalised on public expectations surrounding political rallies.
"This committee is aware of the Kenyan political landscape. It is particularly aware of the behaviours of some Kenyans where money is mentioned and the Kenyan culture of associating politics and handouts," Mukhwana said.
The committee further held that the experienced politician understood the impact such remarks could have on voters.
"It is obvious that the respondent is aware of this fact and was using it to lure people to attend political events where he drummed up support for his preferred candidate in the upcoming by-election," the Commissioner added.
The sanction against Gikaria comes just four days after the same committee fined Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia Ksh1.5 million over alleged inflammatory remarks made during a campaign rally in the same constituency.
Muhia was penalised over comments in which she allegedly urged Ol Kalou residents to form groups of ten and keep watch over outsiders.
The remarks sparked widespread criticism online and from political leaders, prompting the commission to summon her last week.
The IEBC committee also ordered Muhia to issue a public apology and warned that failure to comply with its directives could result in her being barred from participating in future elections.
