Three people died during November by-elections, says KNCHR
Kenya’s human rights commission reports three deaths, voter bribery, violence and partisan state officials during the November 27 by-elections, urging probes, political neutrality and protection of observers.
Three people died during last month's by-elections, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has announced in a report released on Tuesday, December 9.
The three included two individuals who were killed following violence in Kasipul and a 70-year-old who died in Kabuchai, Bungoma county, the Commission noted in its annual 'State of Human Rights' report.
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The report includes a brief of its findings from its monitoring report of the by-elections held on November 27, 2025, for the Baringo Senatorial position, as well as for the Member of the National Assembly in the constituencies of Kasipul, Ugunja, Malava, and Magarini; and for the Member of the County Assembly in the Kariobangi North, Mumbuni North, and Kabuchai Wards.
It says that the Commission documented significant breaches of human rights, including the three deaths and several documented cases of destruction of property contrary to Article 40(1) of the Constitution 2010.
"Additionally, the Commission established that violence was, in some instances, employed as a tool to scare and harm opponents during the by-elections, contrary to Articles 25 and 29 of the Constitution. Furthermore, the Commission recorded various cases of misuse of freedom of expression, with numerous cases of cyberbullying and dissemination of misleading information," says the report.
According to the report, the Commission, worryingly, also observed numerous cases of open bribery of voters and inducement.
"Moreover, it was noted that senior and middle-level government officials actively participated in the campaigns and were seen as partisan political actors during and after the mini-polls, raising concerns about misuse of public office and resources," it notes.
The Commission thus called for strict adherence to the principles of political neutrality in the public service and urged oversight bodies to address any misuse of State resources for partisan campaigning.
It also reminded the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and security agencies to guarantee unhindered access for accredited observers and human rights monitors, and to ensure that their work is not impeded through intimidation or arbitrary denial of entry.
This is after KNCHR's officials were denied access to two tallying centres, despite having official accreditation.
"Article 38 of the Constitution guarantees all Kenyans the freedom to make political choices, including the right to vote for candidates of their choice without undue influence," the Commission reiterated.
KNCHR further called on the IEBC, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and the National Police Service (NPS) to investigate and prosecute cases of voter bribery, and to strengthen preventive measures against undue influence in future elections.
"National Police Service and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate all instances of election-related violence, including any alleged excessive use of force, and to ensure access to justice and remedies for victims; and the relevant regulatory and law enforcement agencies, including the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), to proactively address online abuse, disinformation, and incitement, while safeguarding legitimate political expression," the report says.
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