KNCHR documents 149 cases of voter inducement

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) yesterday said it has documented at least 149 cases of inducement and undue influence of voters.

KNCHR Chairperson, Roseline Odede regretted some candidates have resorted to inducement of voters, which is contrary to Section 9 of the Election Offences Act.

“The Commission has recorded cases of candidates who have been distributing branded merchandise and giveaways during the nomination exercises, camouflaged campaign relief food and open distribution of money during political campaign activities,” said Odede, in a press conference held at KNCHR offices in Nairobi.

She said the Commission has documented the 149 cases in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Machakos and Vihiga. Out of the total cases, 11 stemmed from the political parties’ nomination exercise.

KNCHR has also raised concerns over cases of killings in Nairobi, Kisii and Baringo, having documented three of them.

In Nairobi, the Commission said a man was allegedly killed by civilians in Mathare North as he distributed campaign materials in February.

Another case was reported in April, in Bombaba, Kisii where an MCA aspirant was attacked in his home by unknown assailants.

The third case KNCHR recorded was in May, after a banditry attack on the border of Marakwet and Baringo East which resulted in the death of a primary school teacher and the party nominations could not be conducted.

On the misuse of public resources, Odede made reference to Section 14 of the Election Offences Act, which bars the use of public resources in political activities by aspirants or any other person.

She said the Commission has been documenting the use of public resources by aspirants and candidates during campaigns, which is giving them an undue advantage over others.