The Law Society of Kenya has called for the suspension of Charles Karondo, the chairperson of the Communications Authority of Kenya board, over claims linking him to campaign activities in Ol Kalou.
The society says he is a person of interest in reports of violence and voter intimidation that took place around the recent by-election in the constituency.
Karondo was appointed to lead the Communications Authority board in August 2025 by President William Ruto. He replaced Mary Wambui Mungai and took up the non-executive chairperson role for a three-year term.
Before that, he had served as board chairperson at the Athi Water Works Development Agency.
Public records describe him as having a background in leadership, governance, and mediation, with previous recognition for work in public institutions.
The concerns raised by the Law Society of Kenya stem from events surrounding the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election held in July 2026. That poll followed the death of the sitting Member of Parliament.
Reports from the period described incidents of unrest, including assaults on journalists, use of teargas on voters, and the presence of armed individuals near polling areas. An investigative report by NTV later placed Karondo in the vicinity of some of the people linked to those activities. Footage reportedly showed him at meetings and in vehicles associated with individuals identified in connection with the disturbances.
There were also claims of cash being distributed, with Karondo said to have been present during some of those moments.The Law Society of Kenya has pointed to these reports in arguing that a senior public official in Karondo’s position should not be involved in partisan campaign work.
The Communications Authority regulates broadcasting and telecommunications in Kenya. Its leadership is expected to maintain neutrality, especially given the authority’s role in overseeing media operations.
Questions have therefore arisen about whether Karondo’s reported presence and alleged activities during the by-election period conflict with the standards required of someone holding that office.
As of now, there has been no public detailed response from Karondo addressing the specific claims.
The National Police Service has said investigations into the violence in Ol Kalou were directed, though no formal charges against named individuals in connection with these particular allegations have been widely reported.
The Law Society of Kenya’s call for suspension adds to earlier expressions of concern about the participation of public officers in election-related activities.
The Law Society of Kenya maintains that accountability measures, including possible suspension pending further review, are necessary to protect public confidence in independent institutions.
