NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has raised the alarm over escalating political violence and electoral malpractice in the run-up to the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, warning that the integrity of Thursday’s vote is under serious threat.
In a statement issued on Monday, KNCHR said it was deeply concerned by reports of voter bribery, intimidation, organised attacks by hired gangs, unlawful night campaigns, destruction of campaign materials, gun-related incidents and allegations of misuse of state resources during the campaigns.
The commission cited an earlier warning by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, who disclosed that the electoral agency had documented widespread violations of electoral laws, including voter inducement, violence, campaigning outside the legally prescribed hours and the death of one person.
The IEBC has warned it could postpone or cancel the by-election if the violations persist.
KNCHR said the reported incidents were inconsistent with the constitutional principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
The rights body further expressed concern that election-related violence had spread beyond Ol Kalou into neighbouring Gilgil Constituency on July 11, raising fears that politically motivated violence could escalate if urgent interventions are not taken.
“The Commission unequivocally condemns all acts of political violence, voter bribery, intimidation, destruction of property, hate speech and any other electoral malpractices that undermine democratic governance, peaceful coexistence and the enjoyment of human rights,” the statement said.
KNCHR called on the IEBC to strictly enforce the Elections Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct by taking prompt and impartial action against candidates, political parties and other actors found to have violated electoral laws.
It also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to immediately cease unlawful campaign activities and conduct themselves in accordance with the Constitution and electoral laws.
The commission appealed to law enforcement agencies to act professionally and without political interference by preventing further violence, protecting all persons and ensuring those responsible for criminal acts are investigated and prosecuted.
KNCHR further asked the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to intensify monitoring of political discourse surrounding the by-election and take action against hate speech, incitement and inflammatory messaging.
As part of its constitutional mandate, the commission announced that it has deployed a monitoring team to Ol Kalou to observe the pre-election environment, polling day activities and the immediate post-election period, documenting any human rights violations for possible legal action.
The commission reiterated that electoral violence is not merely a political dispute but a violation of fundamental human rights, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of everyone responsible for violence, voter intimidation, bribery, destruction of property and other electoral offences regardless of their political affiliation or status.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, with campaigns set to end at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, 48 hours before polling day, in accordance with the Elections Act.
The mini-poll has been marked by heightened political competition, allegations of electoral malpractice and increased security deployment.