Amnesty International Kenya has called for urgent investigations into election offences ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, warning that political violence, voter bribery and misuse of public resources could undermine the credibility of the July 16 poll.

Speaking in a statement issued on Sunday, July 12, 2026, the human rights organisation urged 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 investigate and prosecute all individuals responsible for election-related offences.

Amnesty said reports from Ol Kalou pointed to widespread voter inducement, political violence and intimidation, arguing that such actions threatened the constitutional right of Kenyans to participate in free and fair elections.

According to the organisation, allegations include the distribution of cash, mattresses, LPG cylinders and food items to influence voters, as well as the misuse of government development projects during campaigns.

The organisation also cited reports of violent clashes between rival political supporters, which it said had resulted in injuries and deaths, alongside claims that chiefs and administrators were mobilising voters in breach of the law.

“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,” Amnesty said.

It added that the alleged offences also violated Article 81 of the Constitution, which requires elections to be conducted without violence, intimidation, corruption or improper influence.

DCP attack cited

Amnesty also referred to the July 11 attack on a Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) campaign truck in Gilgil, saying the incident reflected growing insecurity surrounding the Ol Kalou by-election campaigns.

The organisation said hooded and armed individuals allegedly attacked the vehicle while party supporters were campaigning.

“Such brazen acts of violence against political opponents participating in a legitimate, democratic exercise of campaigning highlight the growing climate of impunity and insecurity surrounding the Ol Kalou by-election campaigns,” the statement said.

It added that the attacks endangered lives, undermined the rule of law and raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

“The people of Ol Kalou deserve to choose their leaders free from coercion, inducement, and fear,” Amnesty stated.

Amnesty called on the IEBC, ODPP and EACC to take immediate action against anyone found to have breached election laws, including public officials.

The organisation demanded immediate investigations and prosecutions of all individuals implicated in voter bribery, intimidation and the misuse of state resources.

It also urged authorities to enforce campaign regulations, including restrictions on late-night campaigns and the destruction of campaign materials.

Amnesty further asked the electoral commission to assure Kenyans that the by-election would not proceed under conditions that compromise its credibility.

“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,” the organisation said.

It also called for the protection of journalists, human rights defenders and voters participating in the electoral process.

Debate over poll

The statement comes as debate continues over the security situation surrounding the Ol Kalou by-election.

Last week, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon warned that the commission could postpone or cancel the election if violence and breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct continued.

The commission cited reports of voter bribery, election-related violence and other offences that it said threatened the integrity of the poll.

However, on Sunday, the electoral agency said preparations for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election were progressing, with the training of key election officials completed.

The commission said training for Deputy Presiding Officers and Presiding Officers had been concluded, while Polling Clerks were undergoing training as it finalised preparations for polling day on July 16.

Amnesty maintained that accountability before polling day would help protect public confidence in Kenya’s electoral process.

“Kenya cannot afford to normalise electoral malpractice. The credibility of the 2027 General Election begins with accountability in Ol Kalou. The State, together with all players in the political and electoral system, must act now to restore public trust and safeguard democracy,” Executive Director George Morara said.