NAIROBI, Kenya- Amnesty International Kenya has called for urgent investigations and prosecutions over alleged electoral offences ahead of the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, warning that the credibility of Kenya’s 2027 General Election depends on accountability in the Nyandarua contest.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the human rights organisation urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to take action against individuals accused of violating election laws.
Amnesty cited reports of voter bribery, intimidation, misuse of public resources and violence, saying such practices threaten the constitutional right of Kenyans to free, fair and credible elections.
The organisation pointed to allegations of voter inducement through the distribution of cash, mattresses, LPG cylinders and food items, as well as claims that government projects had been rolled out to influence voters.
It also referred to reports of violent clashes between rival political supporters and allegations that some public administrators had been involved in mobilising voters. Amnesty did not provide evidence for the allegations but urged the relevant agencies to investigate them.
Amnesty further expressed concern over the reported attack on a Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) campaign truck in Gilgil on July 11, describing it as a worrying sign of growing political violence surrounding the Ol Kalou campaigns.
The party has alleged that hooded armed men attacked and torched the vehicle before abducting its driver. Police had not publicly confirmed the account by the time Amnesty issued its statement.
“The people of Ol Kalou deserve to choose their leaders free from coercion, inducement, and fear,” the organisation said.
Amnesty called for the immediate investigation and prosecution of all individuals found to have engaged in bribery, intimidation or misuse of state resources, including Members of Parliament, Cabinet Secretaries and other public officers if implicated.
The organisation also urged the IEBC to enforce campaign regulations, including restrictions on late-night campaigns and the destruction of campaign materials, while calling on authorities to protect journalists, human rights defenders and voters participating in the electoral process.
It further asked the electoral commission to assure the public that the by-election would only proceed under conditions that guarantee credibility, noting that postponement remains an option under the law if minimum electoral standards cannot be met.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has become one of the country’s most closely watched political contests, with recent campaigns dominated by allegations of voter bribery, political violence and misuse of public resources.
The government has denied accusations that state programmes in the constituency are intended to influence voters, maintaining that they are part of ongoing development initiatives.
The seat fell vacant following the death of former MP David Kiaraho, with voters expected to elect a new representative on July 16, 2026.