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Luciana Thuo, electoral dispute resolution specialist and advocate Michael Khisa at spice FM on Thursday, July 9, 2026. [Screengrab]
Governance experts have blamed Kenya's patronage culture rather than weak electoral laws for the vote buying reported during campaigns ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election set for Thursday, July 16.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM on Thursday, July 9, the experts questioned the distribution of cash, gas cylinders and water to voters in the Nyandarua County constituency, arguing the practice undermines free and fair polls.
The Election Offences Act criminalises bribery as a distinct offence separate from other electoral malpractice, with penalties running into fines and jail terms for anyone who induces a voter with cash or gifts.
