The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has taken disciplinary action against Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, imposing a Sh1.5 million penalty and directing her to issue a public apology after finding that she breached the Electoral Code of Conduct during a campaign event in Nyandarua County last month.
The action follows remarks Muhia made on June 14 while campaigning in Ol Kalou Constituency, Nyandarua County, ahead of the area’s parliamentary by-election set for July 16.
During the rally, the MP stated that participation in the contest should be limited to residents of the constituency, remarks that drew criticism from opponents who accused her of promoting exclusion and insinuating violence against those perceived as outsiders.
At the time, Muhia was campaigning for Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho, who is contesting in the by-election.
The remarks drew backlash from political actors and observers, some of whom accused Muhia of inciting exclusion by suggesting that participation in the election should be limited to residents of the constituency.
The matter was subsequently taken before the IEBC Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee, which considered a complaint against Muhia and found that the allegations had been proved.
In its ruling, the committee said the complaint had been established and found Muhia to have violated the IEBC's Electoral Code of Conduct.
"The committee has established that the respondent has violated paragraph 6A. The complaint has been proved on the balance of probabilities, being the standard applicable to these quasi-judicial proceedings," the committee ruled on Friday.
It subsequently imposed a Sh1.5 million penalty on Muhia and ordered her to issue a public apology over the breach. The commission directed her to pay the penalty within 72 hours and submit a signed public apology by July 13.
“Muhia (should) sign the retraction and apology at the Commission’s headquarters, Vasari Towers, 6th Floor, at 4:00 pm on Monday, July 13, and thereafter publicly issue the apology," the committee ordered.
It warned that failure to comply with the directives could result in consequences affecting her eligibility to participate in future elections. The committee also cautioned Muhia against repeating similar statements, warning that such remarks could fuel violence and hostility among members of the public.
“Any subsequent violation of the Electoral Code of Conduct shall attract further sanctions as provided under the Elections Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct, including, but not limited to, an order barring her from contesting any future election conducted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission,” the committee ruled.
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