The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has raised concerns over reports of electoral violence, voter intimidation and voter bribery ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for July 16.
In a statement, the rights lobby urged institutions responsible for managing the election to ensure the poll is conducted in accordance with the Constitution and reflects the will of voters.
The by-election was occasioned by the death of former MP David Kiaraho.
KHRC said the reported incidents fall short of constitutional provisions that guarantee every Kenyan the right to make political choices freely and require elections to be conducted without violence, intimidation, improper influence or corruption.
The commission said that although the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared nine candidates who publicly committed to peaceful campaigns, the campaign period had been marked by incidents that it said threatened the credibility of the electoral process.
According to KHRC, clashes between rival political supporters have left at least eight people injured, damaged property and disrupted campaign events.
The commission called on the IEBC to administer the election independently, impartially and transparently, and ensure every eligible voter can vote freely.
It also urged the National Police Service to provide security for all, ensure officers deployed during the poll are clearly identifiable, and act promptly against perpetrators of electoral offences.
KHRC further called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate reports of the misuse of public resources and abuse of public office, while urging the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to prosecute electoral offences regardless of the status or political affiliation of those involved.
The commission also appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject violence, intimidation, hate speech and voter bribery.
It urged the people of Ol Kalou to reject inducements and intimidation and exercise their constitutional right to vote freely.
