George Morara, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya/AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) should postpone the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election if it cannot guarantee minimum standards of credibility, Amnesty International Kenya has said.
Amnesty International Kenya cited allegations of voter bribery, political violence and misuse of state resources ahead of the July 16 poll.
In a statement on Saturday, the rights organisation urged the IEBC, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to urgently investigate and prosecute all election offences reported during the campaigns.
Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director George Morara asked the IEBC to publicly assure Kenyans that the by-election will not proceed under conditions of violence and corruption, adding that postponement should remain an option if minimum standards of credibility cannot be guaranteed.
“Public assurances from IEBC that the by-election will not proceed under conditions of violence and corruption and that postponement remains an option if minimum standards of credibility cannot be guaranteed,” Morara said.
He said reports from the constituency indicate widespread voter inducement through cash handouts, mattresses, LPG cylinders and food items, misuse of government projects to influence voters, violent clashes between rival supporters that have reportedly resulted in injuries and deaths, and allegations that chiefs and administrators are mobilising voters in violation of the law.
Amnesty argued that the alleged offences violate the Election Offences Act and undermine Articles 38 and 81 of the Constitution, which guarantee Kenyans the right to free, fair and credible elections conducted without violence, intimidation, corruption or improper influence.
The organisation also expressed concern over the July 11 attack on a campaign truck belonging to the Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) party in Gilgil, where it alleged hooded, armed assailants targeted party supporters during campaigns.
Amnesty said the incident highlighted a growing climate of insecurity and impunity surrounding the Ol Kalou by-election and warned that such violence threatens public confidence in the electoral process.
"The people of Ol Kalou deserve to choose their leaders free from coercion, inducement and fear," Morara added.
Amnesty called for immediate investigations and prosecution of all individuals implicated in bribery, intimidation and misuse of public resources, including members of parliament, cabinet secretaries and public officers where evidence exists.
It also urged authorities to enforce campaign regulations, including restrictions on late-night rallies and the destruction of campaign materials.
Amnesty called for the protection of journalists, human rights defenders and voters participating in the electoral process, saying accountability in the Ol Kalou by-election will be critical in safeguarding public trust ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) warned that it could postpone or even cancel the Ol Kalou by-election if insecurity and breaches of the electoral code of conduct persist.
"In the event that, working with the security officials
and other stakeholders, we find that the environment is not conducive enough
for us to conclude the by-election in Ol Kalou, we will be left with no choice
other than to take the most unfortunate and drastic step of postponing the
elections in Ol Kalou. And if that's not enough, we will cancel it
altogether," IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said.
However, on Sunday the IEBC said that preparations for the July 16, 2026, Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election are in the final stages, with the training of key election officials largely complete.
