Kenya National Commission on Human Rights
Press Statement: For Immediate Release
Nairobi, 16th August, 2022
HUMAN RIGHTS UPDATE FOLLOWING THE DECLARATION OF THE 2022 PRESIDENTIAL RESULTS
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) continues to monitor the unfolding situation in the country and wishes to issue this 3rd briefing on the status on human rights in the 2022 general election. Despite the chaotic scenes witnessed at the National Tallying Center yesterday and the isolated incidents of violence and hooliganism in some parts of the country, the KNCHR commends Kenyans for maintaining calm and refraining from violence.
The Commission strongly condemns the reported killing of the IEBC Returning Officer for Embakasi East Constituency, Mr. Daniel Musyoka and calls upon the Inspector General of Police to expeditiously investigate and bring his killers to justice. The Commission is also gravely concerned by the unsettling allegations of intimidation and alleged arbitrary arrests of IEBC officials as well as yesterday’s attacks on the IEBC Chairperson, two Commissioners and the Chief Executive Officer. This is unacceptable and the culprits should be brought to account.
The Commission urges politicians across the political divide to desist from engaging in violent acts and inciting their supporters. They should instead endeavor to use their influence to call for peace and harmony in the country. In this regard, the Commission particularly commends political leaders who have called on their supporters to refrain from violence and destruction of property.
This was a high stake general election and the Commission acknowledges the strong emotions generated by the outcome. The Commission however calls on all the political players and their supporters to pursue their grievances through the avenues availed by our Constitution. The Commission continues to commend the security agencies for the professional manner in which they have so far conducted themselves during the 2022 general election. KNCHR encourages them to continue doing so throughout the election cycle.
The media has continued to keep Kenyans informed of the electoral situation and the Commission calls upon the media to remain true to their noble profession and always maintain integrity, accuracy, fairness and objectivity especially at this critical moment. Equally, the Commission calls upon the political leadership and all Kenyans to use social media responsibly and avoid perpetuating hatred, incitement, profiling and fake news.
As a country, we are a Nation guided by the rule of law, democracy, human rights and other national values enshrined in the Constitution. The Commission, therefore calls upon all Kenyans, leaders and institutions to play their respective roles and abide by the spirit and letter of the Constitution. The Commission shall continue discharging its constitutional mandate of ensuring that the human rights of everyone in Kenya are safeguarded.
The Commission calls on Kenyans to report any human rights violations through our Toll Free Line 0800 720627 and SMS: 22359 and our various social media platforms.
Roseline D A Odede, HSC
Chairperson
KENYA NATIONAL COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS