KNCHR demands arrests, prosecutions over violence and voter bribery ahead of Ol Kalou by-election

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has issued several demands ahead of the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election, calling for arrests, investigations and prosecution of individuals linked to violence, voter intimidation, bribery and other violations reported during the campaigns.

In a statement on Monday, the Commission raised concerns over the increasing cases of violence and breaches of electoral laws ahead of polling day scheduled for Thursday, June 16, saying there must be accountability for all individuals involved in acts that undermine peaceful and credible elections, regardless of their political affiliation or status.

KNCHR cited a statement issued on July 9, 2026, by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, which highlighted widespread violations of electoral laws during the campaigns.

According to the IEBC, the reported violations included voter bribery and inducement, campaigns conducted outside the legally allowed hours, destruction of property, violence, intimidation and the loss of one life.

The electoral body also warned that it could be forced to postpone or cancel the by-election if the violations continued.

KNCHR Chairperson Claris Ogangah said the reported incidents were alarming, unnecessary and against the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

“With campaigns scheduled to conclude today, July 13, 2026, 48 hours before polling day, and lawful campaign hours prescribed between 7.00 am and 6.00 pm, the Commission is particularly disturbed by reports that violence has assumed an increasingly dangerous trajectory,” Ogangah said.

She noted that the Commission had received reports of organised attacks by hired gangs, voter bribery and inducement, unlawful night campaigns outside the permitted hours, gunshots, destruction of campaign materials and allegations of misuse of State resources to influence the electoral process.

“These incidents present a disturbing picture of the electoral environment in the lead-up to the by-election and threaten the integrity, credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process,” reads the statement.

KNCHR also expressed concern over reports that election-related violence spread beyond Ol Kalou Constituency into neighbouring Gilgil Constituency on July 11, 2026.

The Commission said the developments had raised fears of a wider pattern of politically motivated violence if urgent action was not taken.

It noted that the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 guarantees every citizen the right to participate freely in political processes, including the right to vote, seek elective office, assemble peacefully, associate, express political opinions and make political choices without violence, intimidation, coercion, bribery or undue influence.

KNCHR added that these rights are also protected under the Elections Act and other electoral laws, warning that any person who violates these guarantees commits serious electoral and criminal offences.

“The Commission unequivocally condemns all acts of political violence and 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,” KNCHR said.

The Commission called on political leaders, candidates and parties to reject violence, avoid inflammatory remarks and take responsibility for their supporters’ actions. It urged the IEBC and security agencies to enforce electoral laws, prevent violence and ensure those responsible are investigated and prosecuted.

KNCHR also called on voters, community leaders and supporters to promote peaceful elections, while urging the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to monitor political messages and act against hate speech and incitement.

The Commission said it had deployed a team to Ol Kalou to monitor the pre-election period, polling day and post-election activities in line with its constitutional mandate.

“The Commission reiterates that there can be no democratic election where violence, intimidation and impunity prevail. Electoral violence is not merely a political contest gone wrong; it is a violation of fundamental human rights and an assault on constitutional democracy,” Ogangah said.

“Every Kenyan must be able to exercise their political rights freely, safely and without fear."

The Commission said it would continue monitoring the situation, documenting violations and pursuing legal measures to ensure accountability. It urged the public to report human rights abuses and election-related violations through SMS 22359, email [email protected], WhatsApp 0798 849 871 or toll-free line 0800 720 627.