13th July 2026
KNCHR CONDEMNS ESCALATING POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES DURING THE OL KALOU CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION CAMPAIGNS
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) expresses its profound concern over the escalating incidents of political violence, electoral malpractice, and the growing culture of impunity being witnessed during the ongoing Ol Kalou Constituency by-election campaigns.
The Commission notes with grave concern the public statement issued on 9 July 2026 by the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Erastus Ethekon, highlighting widespread violations of electoral laws during the campaigns. According to the
IEBC, the reported violations include voter bribery and inducement, campaigning outside the legally prescribed hours, destruction of property, acts of violence and intimidation, and, most tragically, the loss of one life. The IEBC further cautioned that it may be compelled to postpone or cancel the by-election should the prevailing violations persist.
KNCHR considers these developments deeply alarming, unnecessary, and wholly inconsistent with the constitutional principles of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.
With campaigns scheduled to conclude today, 13th July 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.
The KNCHR has received reports of organised attacks by hired gangs, voter bribery and inducement, unlawful night campaigns conducted outside the legally permitted hours, gunshots, destruction of campaign materials, and allegations of the 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.
The Commission is equally concerned by reports that, on 11th July 2026, election-related violence spread beyond Ol Kalou Constituency into the neighbouring Gilgil Constituency, raising fears of a broader pattern of politically motivated violence if urgent interventions are not undertaken.
The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 guarantees every citizen the right to participate freely in political processes, including the rights to vote, seek elective office, assemble peacefully, associate, express political opinions, and make political choices free from violence, intimidation, coercion, bribery or undue influence. These rights are further protected under the Elections Act and other relevant electoral laws. Any person who engages in acts that undermine these constitutional guarantees commits serious electoral and criminal offences for which they must be held individually accountable.
The Commission unequivocally condemns all acts of political violence, 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. Political leaders, candidates and political parties bear a heightened responsibility to uphold constitutional values by publicly denouncing violence, refraining from inflammatory rhetoric, and taking responsibility for the conduct of their supporters and agents.
In light of the foregoing, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights calls upon:
a) The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to strictly enforce the Elections Act, the Electoral Code of Conduct and all applicable electoral laws by taking prompt, firm and impartial action against candidates, political parties and other actors found to be in violation.
b) Political parties, candidates, campaign teams and their supporters to immediately cease all unlawful campaign activities, reject violence in all its forms, and conduct themselves in full compliance with the Constitution and electoral laws.
c) Law enforcement agencies to discharge their constitutional and statutory responsibilities impartially, professionally and without political interference by preventing further violence, protecting all persons, and ensuring that those responsible for criminal conduct are investigated
and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
d) Voters, community leaders and supporters of all political parties to exercise restraint, reject violence and intimidation, respect the rights of others, and contribute towards peaceful, credible and democratic elections.
e) The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to intensify monitoring of political discourse surrounding the Ol Kalou by-election and take decisive action against any instances of hate speech, incitement to violence, or inflammatory messaging capable of undermining national cohesion and peaceful elections.
In accordance with its constitutional mandate under Article 59 of the Constitution and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act, KNCHR has intensified its monitoring of the electoral environment and has deployed its team to Ol Kalou ahead of polling day. The team is monitoring the pre-election environment, polling day activities and the immediate post-election period to assess compliance with human rights standards and document any violations for appropriate action.
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. The KNCHR therefore calls for the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of every individual responsible for acts of violence, voter intimidation, bribery, destruction of property or any other electoral offence, irrespective of their political affiliation or status.
The Commission will continue to closely monitor the situation and will publicly document violations and pursue all available constitutional and legal avenues to ensure accountability. There must be zero tolerance for electoral violence, and every Kenyan must be able to exercise their political rights freely, safely and without fear.
We urge the public to continue reporting any human rights abuses, concerns or election-related violations through the following channels: SMS: 22359; Email: complaint@knchr.org; WhatsApp: 0798 849 871; Toll-Free Line: 0800 720 627.
Haki Kwa Wote, Kila Wakati.
Claris Ogangah,
Chairperson, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).