Amnesty International Kenya has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to urgently investigate and prosecute alleged election offences ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026.
In a statement released on Sunday, the rights lobby expressed concern over reports of electoral malpractices that it said threaten the integrity of the by-election and undermine Kenyans’ constitutional right to free, fair and credible elections.
According to Amnesty International Kenya, reports from Ol Kalou indicate alleged 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, as well as allegations that chiefs and administrators are mobilising voters in violation of the law.
The organisation also raised concerns over an attack on a campaign truck belonging to the Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) Party in Gilgil on July 11, 2026, allegedly carried out by hooded, armed individuals.
Amnesty International said the incident reflects a growing climate of insecurity surrounding the Ol Kalou by-election campaigns and warned that such acts not only endanger lives but also erode public confidence in the electoral process.
“These practices are not isolated incidents; they represent a systematic assault on the constitutional right of Kenyans under Article 38 to free, fair, and credible elections,” the organisation said.
The rights group further called for immediate investigations and prosecution of all individuals implicated in bribery, intimidation and misuse of state resources. It also urged authorities to strictly enforce campaign regulations, including restrictions on late-night rallies and the destruction of campaign materials.
Amnesty International maintained that the people of Ol Kalou should be allowed to elect their leaders in an environment free from coercion, inducement and fear.
IEBC recently IEBC fines Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia Ksh.1.5M over inciteful remarks and was ordered to offer public apology.
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