Public interest activist Francis Awino has petitioned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to postpone the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, over concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

Awino argues that the political environment surrounding the by-election may not meet the constitutional standards required for a free, fair, transparent and peaceful election.

In the petition, he cites allegations of political violence, voter intimidation, bribery and misuse of state resources during the campaign period. The claims remain allegations and would require investigation by the relevant authorities.

“The current electoral environment in Ol Kalou does not meet the constitutional threshold for a free, fair, transparent and peaceful election,” the petition states.

Awino argues that reports from residents, community leaders, civil society organisations and the media point to a political environment that could undermine public confidence in the outcome if the vote proceeds without the concerns being addressed.

He wants the IEBC to investigate the reported irregularities and obtain information from security agencies, election observers and civil society organisations before determining whether conditions allow the by-election to proceed credibly.

The petition relies on several provisions of the Constitution governing elections, including the requirement that polls be conducted without violence, intimidation, corruption or improper influence.

Awino also cites Section 55B of the Elections Act, which provides circumstances under which the IEBC may postpone an election, including a serious breach of peace or other conditions that make it impossible to conduct a credible poll.

“The cumulative effect of the reported electoral malpractices threatens the credibility, transparency and legitimacy of the forthcoming by-election,” Awino argues in the petition.

He is asking the electoral commission to defer the vote until conditions considered peaceful, secure and constitutionally compliant are restored.

The petition also calls for investigations into claims involving the participation of senior state and public officials in campaign activities and the alleged use of public resources. Those claims have not been established as fact.

The filing of the petition does not, by itself, suspend the Ol Kalou by-election. At the time of reporting, the poll remained scheduled for July 16, 2026, and there was no confirmed order postponing it. Unless the commission or a court issues a valid order changing the election timetable, the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election remains scheduled to proceed on Thursday.