By Erestinah Jane | July 8, 2026
Nakuru East MP David Gikaria has dismissed allegations that the collection of national identity card details during a Kenya Kwanza mobilisation exercise in Ol Kalou was intended to influence voters ahead of the July 16 parliamentary by-election, insisting the exercise was solely for accountability and verification purposes.
Speaking to residents during a campaign meeting, Gikaria said the identification documents were being requested to help account for the distribution of financial support and to confirm that outreach efforts had reached the intended areas.
“Mimi nilipewa Ksh. 250,000 jana na pia leo nimepewa Ksh. 250,000. Wenye wananiitisha nataka kujua je uliongea na wapiga kura wa Githima na Nyakiangi. That’s why they’re asking for your IDs,” Gikaria said.
The legislator explained that the mobilisation exercise attracted far more people than anticipated, forcing organisers to seek additional funds to cater for the unexpectedly large turnout.
According to Gikaria, he initially received KSh250,000 for the exercise but later secured more money after the allocation proved insufficient. He said the amount distributed eventually rose to approximately KSh1.2 million after an additional KSh800,000 was made available to accommodate residents who had attended the event.
He maintained that the collection of identification details was intended to facilitate auditing and record-keeping, rejecting suggestions that the process was linked to electoral malpractice.
Gikaria further argued that national identity cards cannot be used to influence how individuals vote, urging residents not to misinterpret the verification exercise. He also announced plans to reorganise future mobilisation activities by setting aside separate days for youth and women to improve coordination and crowd management.
The remarks come amid heightened political activity in Ol Kalou ahead of the July 16 parliamentary by-election, which was called following the death of area MP David Kiaraho. The contest has attracted national attention, with both the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition intensifying campaigns in a constituency widely viewed as politically significant within the Mt. Kenya region.
In recent weeks, senior political leaders from both sides have held rallies and launched development initiatives in the constituency as they seek to rally support ahead of the vote. The increased political activity has also sparked debate over campaign conduct and the use of financial incentives during mobilisation events.
Opposition leaders have raised concerns over the distribution of money during campaign activities, calling for strict adherence to electoral laws and greater oversight of campaign financing. Some have argued that the growing flow of resources into the constituency could create an uneven campaign environment.
On the other hand, Kenya Kwanza leaders have maintained that their activities are lawful and aimed at engaging residents and supporting grassroots mobilisation.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and other relevant oversight agencies are expected to monitor campaign activities as political parties make their final push before voters head to the polls on July 16 to elect a new Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou Constituency.
