KNCHR Warns Ol Kalou Election at Risk Amid Violence, Electoral Malpractices

KNCHR Calls Out Electoral Malpractices Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has raised concern over escalating political violence and electoral malpractices during the ongoing Ol Kalou Constituency by-election campaigns, warning that the situation threatens the integrity of the electoral process.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, the Commission said it was deeply disturbed by reports of violence, voter bribery, intimidation and other illegal campaign activities as campaigns officially come to an end, 48 hours before polling day.

“With campaigns scheduled to conclude today, July 13, 2026, forty-eight hours before polling day, and lawful campaign hours prescribed between 7.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m., the Commission is particularly disturbed by reports that violence has assumed an increasingly dangerous trajectory,” KNCHR said.

IEBC Warnings Echoed

The Commission cited an earlier statement by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, who highlighted widespread violations of electoral laws during the campaigns.

According to KNCHR, the reported offences include voter bribery, campaigning outside legally permitted hours, destruction of property, intimidation and acts of violence that have already claimed one life.

The Commission also noted reports of organised attacks by hired gangs, unlawful night campaigns, gunshots, destruction of campaign materials and allegations that state resources are being used to influence the election.

“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,” the Commission stated.

Also Read: IEBC Issues Fresh Reminder Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election

KNCHR Warns Violence Has Spread Beyond Ol Kalou

KNCHR expressed concern that election-related violence has spread beyond Ol Kalou Constituency into neighbouring Gilgil Constituency, warning that the unrest could grow if urgent action is not taken.

The Commission said every Kenyan has a constitutional right to participate freely in political activities without facing violence, intimidation, coercion or bribery.

It condemned all forms of political violence, hate speech, destruction of property and electoral malpractice, calling on political leaders to publicly reject violence and take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters.

Also Read: IEBC Summons Nakuru MP David Gikaria

Commission Calls for Urgent Action

KNCHR urged the IEBC to strictly enforce electoral laws and take firm action against candidates, political parties and other individuals found violating election rules.

It also called on political parties, candidates and campaign teams to immediately stop unlawful campaign activities and conduct peaceful campaigns.

The Commission further urged law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those responsible for election-related crimes without political interference.

In addition, it asked voters, community leaders and supporters of all political parties to reject violence and help promote peaceful and credible elections.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) was also urged to strengthen monitoring of political speech and take action against hate speech and incitement.

Human Rights Monitors Deployed Ahead of Poll

KNCHR said it has deployed a monitoring team to Ol Kalou ahead of polling day to observe the pre-election environment, polling activities and the immediate post-election period.

The Commission vowed to continue documenting any human rights violations and pursue legal action where necessary.

“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.”

The Commission also called for the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of anyone involved in acts of violence, voter intimidation, bribery, destruction of property or other electoral offences, regardless of their political affiliation.

KNCHR encouraged members of the public to continue reporting election-related violations through its official reporting channels as the country prepares for the Ol Kalou by-election.

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