KHRC calls for urgent action against electoral violence ahead of Ol Kalou by-election

KHRC calls for urgent action against electoral violence ahead of Ol Kalou by-election
KHRC calls for urgent action against electoral violence ahead of Ol Kalou by-election - One of the vehicles destroyed during the unrest in Nyahururu on July 12, 2026. (Photo: X/Hon Caroli Omondi)
One of the vehicles destroyed during the unrest in Nyahururu on July 12, 2026. (Photo: X/Hon Caroli Omondi)

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𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐞 - All set for Ol Kalou by-election as IEBC deploys voting materials

Zawadi Charity  ·  1 hour ago
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The commission said the reported incidents threaten the integrity of the electoral process and fall short of the constitutional standards governing free and fair elections.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), security agencies and other state institutions to take immediate action against electoral violence, voter intimidation, alleged voter bribery and the alleged misuse of public resources ahead of Thursday's Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the commission said the reported incidents threaten the integrity of the electoral process and fall short of the constitutional standards governing free and fair elections.
The by-election was occasioned by the death of the constituency's Member of Parliament, David Kiaraho.

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Although the IEBC cleared nine candidates who publicly committed to peaceful campaigns, KHRC said the campaign period has been marred by incidents that threaten the credibility of the electoral process.
"There have been deadly clashes between rival political supporters, leaving at least eight people injured, damaging property and disrupting campaign events," the commission said.
KHRC also expressed concern over reports of the alleged misuse of public resources during the campaign period.

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"Public resources must never be used, or appear to be used, to confer an electoral advantage," the commission said.
The rights lobby also took note of reports that a section of Ol Kalou voters was invited to State House shortly before polling day. While it said it could not independently verify the claims, it cautioned that public officials should avoid actions that could create the perception of political bias.
"While KHRC cannot independently verify those claims, public officials must avoid conduct that creates a perception of political favour or undue influence during an election," the statement read.
The commission urged the IEBC to conduct the election in accordance with the Constitution.
"The IEBC [should] administer the election independently, impartially and transparently, and ensure every eligible voter can vote freely and that the results reflect the sovereign will of the electorate," KHRC said.
It also called on the National Police Service to provide adequate security, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate reports of the misuse of public resources, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to prosecute electoral offences promptly.
KHRC further urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject violence, intimidation, hate speech and voter bribery, while calling on the people of Ol Kalou to "reject inducement and intimidation, and exercise their constitutional right to vote freely."

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