IEBC postpones all scheduled by-elections indefinitely

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commision (IEBC) has postponed all scheduled by-elections over the new coronavirus.

The by-elections affected by the postponement are Dabado ward in Kilifi, Kisumu North ward, Kahawa Wendani in Kiambu and Wundanyi/Mbale ward in Taita Taveta.

In a press statement, the IEBC explained that conducting party nominations, campaigns and the poll itself would involve human contact thereby expose the public to the dangers of contracting the new coronavirus.

“While the commission recognizes the citizens’ right to vote and to representation, the commission has resolved to postpone the by-elections to a later date in line with Section 55(B) of the elections act 2011 and Regulation 64 (A) of the Elections (General) Regulations, 2012,” the statement read in part.

The latest comes as the Ministry of Health confirmed 81 cases of the novel coronavirus and reiterated the need for Kenyans to observe social distancing.

On Wednesday, the cases rose by an additional 22, the biggest number recorded in Kenya in a day.

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe said on Wednesday that 21 out of the 22 cases were people currently in amandatory  quarantine.

“We have tested over 300 Kenyans and out of those 22 have tested positive. This is the largest number we have received in a day,” he said.

According to the CS, the new cases are 18 Kenyans, two Pakistanis and two Cameroon nationals.

He further revealed that 13 of the cases are males and 9 are females: one of them is a patient admitted to Mombasa Hospital.

“That tells you importance of exercise we have been carrying out because they would have infected other people,” Kagwe said.

CS Kagwe urged Kenyans to adhere to the stringent measures imposed by government but clarified that food trucks are allowed to move as are vehicles ferrying food across the border.

“What we are stopping is meetings that are against social distancing,” he said.
The Government announced a 7pm to 5am curfew that took effect on March 27. It prohibits public gatherings and processions during the curfew.

Police IG Hilary Mutyambai said any person who violates the curfew commits an offense and will be arrested and charged in a court of law,