Ol Kalou by-election: KNCHR cites killings, gunshots, bribery and intimidation as campaigns end
By Mustafa Juma, July 13, 2026The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has raised the alarm over what it describes as an escalating wave of political violence, voter bribery and intimidation in the run-up to the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
KNCHR has warned that the prevailing environment threatens the integrity and credibility of the electoral process.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, just hours before the campaigns in Ol Kalou officially closed, the rights commission condemned what it termed a “dangerous trajectory” of election-related violence and called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in electoral offences.
“The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) expresses its profound concern over the escalating incidents of political violence, electoral malpractice, and the growing culture of impunity being witnessed during the ongoing Ol Kalou Constituency by-election campaigns,” the statement read in part.
The commission said it had received numerous reports of organised attacks by hired gangs, voter bribery, unlawful night campaigns, gunshots, destruction of campaign materials, intimidation of voters and allegations of the misuse of State resources during the campaigns.
“The Commission reiterates that there can be no democratic election where violence, intimidation and impunity prevail. Electoral violence is not merely a political contest gone wrong; it is a violation of fundamental human rights and an assault on constitutional democracy,” KNCHR Chairperson Claris Ogangah said.
Campaigns close under a cloud
The statement comes as campaigns for the July 16 by-election officially ended on Monday evening, in line with electoral laws requiring campaigns to cease 48 hours before polling day.
KNCHR said the violence had spread beyond Ol Kalou Constituency into neighbouring Gilgil Constituency, raising fears that the unrest could escalate further if urgent interventions are not undertaken.
The commission warned that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to participate freely in political processes without violence, coercion, intimidation or bribery.
It called on political leaders and candidates to publicly denounce violence and take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters.
IEBC had already sounded the alarm
KNCHR’s warning comes days after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) expressed similar concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the constituency.
Speaking on July 9, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon revealed that the commission had received reports of widespread voter bribery, violence, intimidation, campaigns conducted outside the legally prescribed hours, destruction of property and the mobilisation of gangs, warning that the by-election could be postponed or even cancelled if the situation failed to improve.
The electoral agency also disclosed that one person had already lost their life in election-related violence.
Ethekon said the commission had dispatched investigators to the constituency and warned that candidates found culpable of violating the Electoral Code of Conduct risk disqualification.
Five key demands
In its statement, KNCHR urged several institutions to take immediate action.
The commission called on the IEBC to strictly enforce the Elections Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct by taking prompt and impartial action against candidates and political parties found to be violating electoral laws.
It also urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to immediately cease unlawful campaign activities and reject violence.
The National Police Service and other security agencies were asked to prevent further violence, protect citizens and ensure those responsible for criminal acts are investigated and prosecuted without political interference.
KNCHR further called on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to intensify monitoring of political rhetoric and crack down on hate speech and incitement capable of undermining peaceful elections.
The commission also appealed to voters and community leaders to exercise restraint and contribute towards peaceful, credible and democratic elections.
Rights team deployed to Ol Kalou
As part of its constitutional mandate, KNCHR announced that it has deployed a monitoring team to Ol Kalou ahead of polling day.
According to the commission, the team will observe the pre-election environment, activities on polling day and the immediate post-election period to assess compliance with human rights standards and document any violations.
The findings, KNCHR said, will inform any legal or constitutional action necessary to ensure accountability.
By-election attracts national attention
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has become one of Kenya’s most closely watched electoral contests, not only because it is among the first major tests for the reconstituted IEBC under Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, but also because of the heightened political interest from both government and opposition camps.
The campaign period has been characterised by intense political activity, with senior national leaders from rival camps traversing the constituency in support of their preferred candidates. However, the contest has also been overshadowed by allegations of voter inducement, violence, misuse of state resources and inflammatory political rhetoric, prompting repeated appeals for restraint from electoral and human rights institutions.
KNCHR maintained that there should be zero tolerance for electoral violence, insisting that every individual involved in voter intimidation, bribery, destruction of property or other electoral offences must be held personally accountable, regardless of political affiliation or status.
“The Commission will continue to closely monitor the situation and will publicly document violations and pursue all available constitutional and legal avenues to ensure accountability,” Ogangah said.