Claims linking the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election to rape incidents and deaths have been dismissed by the National Police Service, which says the election was conducted peacefully and that no such cases were reported at any stage of the voting process.
In a statement released on Friday, Central Regional Police Commander Geoffrey Mayek said the constituency remained calm before, during and after the by-election, while applauding residents for maintaining peace as they exercised their constitutional right to vote.
"First, we thank the people of Ol Kalou for exercising their democratic rights in a free and fair environment. They conducted themselves maturely and responsibly," Mayek said.
He also commended police officers who were deployed across the constituency, saying they carried out their duties with discipline and ensured the election was conducted in a secure environment.
"To all our officers who were deployed to cover the exercise, we thank you wholesomely for carrying out your mandate in a steadfast, dignified and professional manner," he said.
The police response comes after political leaders exchanged accusations over claims of violence, voter bribery and intimidation during the by-election, with some allegations also spreading widely on social media.
Mayek said Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had taken note of reports indicating that unidentified individuals were seen moving around parts of Ol Kalou under unclear circumstances during the election.
According to the statement, the Inspector General has instructed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to establish who the individuals were, why they were in the constituency and whether any action should be taken.
"The Inspector General has directed a full investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to establish who the individuals were and what their motive was, with a view to taking appropriate action," the statement said.
While confirming that investigations into the unidentified individuals are underway, the police maintained that allegations of rape and deaths connected to the by-election were false.
"As to allegations circulating in the social media spaces about incidents of rape and deaths, the true position is that no rape incidents were reported in Ol Kalou before, during and after the voting process," Mayek said.
He warned that circulating unverified information could create fear among the public and damage confidence in security agencies charged with protecting lives, property and maintaining public order.
"Such reports have the potential of causing unnecessary panic while also breeding mistrust between the public and the National Police Service," he said.
Mayek called on members of the public with information on any criminal offence committed during the election period to report the matter at the nearest police station so that investigations can be carried out.
"Each statement made to the public ought to meet a high threshold of truth, reliability and trust. The National Police Service encourages anyone to come out and lodge a complaint on any criminal incident at any time whenever it occurs for appropriate and lawful action," he said.
He added that the National Police Service remains committed to enforcing the law and ensuring the safety and security of all Kenyans during and after elections.