The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has condemned escalating political violence and electoral malpractice during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election campaigns, warning that growing impunity is threatening the credibility of the July 16 mini-poll and calling for swift action against those behind the unrest.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Chairperson Claris Ogangah, the commission expressed concern over what it described as a deteriorating electoral environment marked by violence, voter bribery, intimidation and other illegal activities that undermine constitutional democracy.
The rights body cited concerns earlier raised by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), whose Chairperson, Erastus Ethekon, warned last week that the electoral body could postpone or even cancel the by-election if widespread violations of electoral laws continued.
The IEBC cited voter bribery, violence, destruction of campaign materials, illegal night campaigns and the mobilisation of hired gangs as some of the offences threatening the integrity of the poll.
KNCHR said it was "profoundly concerned over the escalating incidents of political violence, electoral malpractice, and the growing culture of impunity" witnessed during the campaigns.
The commission noted that reports received ahead of the close of campaigns painted a worrying picture, including "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."
It warned that such incidents threatened "the integrity, credibility and legitimacy of the electoral process."
The commission also expressed concern that election-related violence had spread beyond Ol Kalou into neighbouring Gilgil Constituency on July 11, raising fears that political unrest could widen if urgent interventions were not undertaken.
KNCHR reminded political leaders, candidates and parties that they bore a heightened responsibility to uphold constitutional values by rejecting violence and inflammatory rhetoric.
"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 said.
It urged the IEBC to "strictly enforce the Elections Act, the Electoral Code of Conduct and all applicable electoral laws" through prompt and impartial action against offenders, while calling on law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those responsible without political interference.
The commission further appealed to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to intensify monitoring of political rhetoric and act decisively against hate speech and incitement.
KNCHR said it had deployed a monitoring team to Ol Kalou to observe the pre-election environment, polling day and the immediate post-election period.
"There can be no democratic election where violence, intimidation and impunity prevail," the commission said, insisting that "electoral violence is not merely a political contest gone wrong, it is a violation of fundamental human rights and an assault on constitutional democracy."
It vowed to continue documenting violations and pursuing legal avenues to ensure accountability as Kenyans prepare to vote on Thursday.