NAIROBI, Kenya— Former Chief Justice David Maraga has criticised the conduct of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, alleging that the poll was characterised by violence, intimidation and electoral malpractice that undermined the integrity of the democratic process.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Maraga cited reports from the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), the Election Observation Group (ELOG) and independent journalists, claiming they pointed to what he described as a serious deterioration in Kenya’s electoral standards.
He alleged that the by-election was marked by attacks on residents, intimidation of voters and widespread irregularities, arguing that the events violated constitutional guarantees of free and fair elections.
According to Maraga, at least eight people were injured in clashes between rival political camps. He further claimed that armed individuals in unmarked vehicles opened fire on members of the public and assaulted residents who were opposed to vote buying.
The former Chief Justice also alleged that journalists, civil society groups and election observers faced harassment during the exercise, saying such actions undermined transparency and accountability.
Maraga argued that the reported incidents were inconsistent with constitutional provisions guaranteeing every Kenyan the right to make political choices free from violence, intimidation, improper influence or corruption.
He called on investigative agencies, including the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), to investigate anyone found to have engaged in election offences, including voter bribery, misuse of public resources or acts of violence.
Maraga further demanded the resignation of the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, alleging that the police failed to protect voters and maintain public order during the by-election.
Despite his criticism of the electoral process, Maraga congratulated Sammy Douglas Kamau Ngotho of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) on winning the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat under what he described as difficult circumstances.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has declared Kamau Ngotho the winner of the by-election.