KNHCR Chairperson Claris Ogangah at a past event/HANDOUT.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has condemned escalating political violence and electoral malpractices during campaigns for the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election, warning that the incidents threaten the credibility of the electoral process and the safety of voters.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission said it was deeply concerned by reports of widespread electoral offences as campaigns officially came to a close, 48 hours before polling day, as required under electoral laws.
KNCHR said it had taken note of an earlier warning by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, who highlighted increasing violations of electoral laws, including voter bribery, intimidation, destruction of property, campaigns conducted outside the legally prescribed hours and the loss of one life.
According to the Commission, the situation has continued to deteriorate despite repeated calls for restraint.
"KNCHR condemns escalating political violence and electoral malpractices during the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election campaigns," the Commission said.
It added that reports received by the Commission point to organised attacks by hired gangs, voter bribery and inducement, unlawful night campaigns, gunshots, destruction of campaign materials and alleged misuse of State resources to influence the electoral process.
"With campaigns scheduled to conclude today, July 13, 2026, 48 hours before polling day, and lawful campaign hours prescribed between 7 am and 6 pm, the Commission is particularly disturbed by reports that violence has assumed an increasingly dangerous trajectory," KNCHR stated.
The rights body further expressed concern that election-related violence had spread beyond Ol Kalou into neighbouring Gilgil Constituency, raising fears that the unrest could escalate if urgent intervention is not undertaken.
Describing the reported incidents as inconsistent with constitutional principles, KNCHR emphasised that every Kenyan has the right to participate freely in political processes without violence, intimidation, coercion or bribery.
"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," the statement read.
KNCHR called on the IEBC to strictly enforce the Elections Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct by taking firm and impartial action against candidates, political parties and other actors found to have violated the law.
The Commission also urged political parties, candidates and campaign teams to immediately cease unlawful campaign activities and reject violence in all its forms. It appealed to law enforcement agencies to discharge their constitutional responsibilities impartially by preventing further violence and ensuring those responsible for criminal conduct are investigated and prosecuted.
Additionally, KNCHR called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to intensify monitoring of political discourse and take decisive action against hate speech, incitement and inflammatory messaging capable of undermining national cohesion.
"The Commission reiterates that there can be no democratic election where violence, intimidation and impunity prevail," KNCHR said.
"There must be zero tolerance for electoral violence, and every Kenyan must be able to exercise their political rights freely, safely and without fear."
The Commission said it has deployed a monitoring team to Ol Kalou ahead of polling day and will continue documenting any human rights violations before, during and after the by-election to ensure accountability.
