The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has raised concern over what it describes as escalating political violence, voter bribery and intimidation ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, just hours before campaigns officially closed, the commission warned that the prevailing environment threatens the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
KNCHR condemned what it described as a "dangerous trajectory" of election-related violence and called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in electoral offences.
"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 statement read in part.
According to the commission, it has received numerous reports of organised attacks allegedly carried out by hired gangs, voter bribery, unlawful night campaigns, gunshots, destruction of campaign materials, voter intimidation and claims of misuse of State resources during the campaign period.
KNCHR Chairperson Claris Ogangah said elections cannot be considered free and fair where violence and intimidation are allowed to thrive.
"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," Ogangah said.
The commission urged security agencies and other relevant institutions to act decisively against perpetrators of electoral offences and ensure accountability before the July 16 by-election.
KNCHR's statement comes amid heightened political tensions in Ol Kalou, where the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has also expressed concern over reports of violence, voter bribery and other electoral malpractices that could undermine the conduct of the poll.
The by-election has attracted intense political competition, with both the ruling coalition and opposition leaders actively campaigning for their respective candidates in what is widely seen as a key political contest ahead of the 2027 General Election.
