LSK Warns of Vote Buying, Intimidation Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has raised concerns over reports of alleged electoral malpractice ahead of the forthcoming Ol Kalou Parliamentary by-election, warning that the incidents could undermine the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.

In a press statement dated July 13, LSK stated that it had closely monitored developments surrounding the by-election and was concerned by reports of voter inducement, misuse of public resources, political intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric, and other conduct that could compromise a free and fair election.

“The Society is deeply concerned by numerous reports and public information suggesting widespread electoral malpractice, misuse of public resources, voter inducement, political intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric, and other conduct capable of undermining the integrity and credibility of the electoral process,” the statement read.

LSK Calls for Action Over Alleged Electoral Malpractice in Ol Kalou By-Election

As a result, LSK called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to exercise its constitutional and statutory mandate independently and without political influence.

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

The society further urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the Public Service Commission (PSC), the National Police Service and other relevant agencies to investigate any alleged electoral offences and take appropriate enforcement action where violations are established.

LSK maintained that no political party, public officer, or institution should be above the law.

Beyond calling for investigations, LSK also expressed concern over suggestions that the Ol Kalou Parliamentary by-election could be postponed because of campaign-related irregularities.

While acknowledging the IEBC’s constitutional responsibility to conduct peaceful and credible elections, LSK argued that postponing an election should only occur in exceptional circumstances permitted under the Constitution and the law.

Instead, the society said authorities should focus on investigating and prosecuting individuals responsible for electoral offences rather than denying voters their constitutional right to elect their representative.

Election Observers to Monitor Poll

 LSK also announced that it will deploy accredited election observers to monitor the Ol Kalou Parliamentary by-election and independently assess compliance with constitutional principles, electoral laws and democratic standards throughout the electoral process.

“The Law Society of Kenya further informs the public that it will deploy accredited election observers to monitor the Ol Kalou Parliamentary By-Election,” read part of the statement.

Also Read: Kenya Railways Gives Fresh Update on Nairobi–Nyahururu Train Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election

According to the society, the observations made during the mission will inform the society’s engagement with relevant institutions and contribute to recommendations aimed at strengthening electoral integrity, accountability, transparency and public confidence in Kenya’s electoral processes.

LSK further described the Ol Kalou Parliamentary by-election as an important test of Kenya’s electoral governance framework ahead of the 2027 General Election.

A photo showing the LSK statement about the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election. Photo / LSK/ X

It urged political parties, candidates, public officers, and members of the public to reject electoral malpractice and uphold peaceful, lawful, and issue-based campaigns.

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