LSK Condemns Violence Ahead of Ol Kalou By-Election, Deploys Poll Observers
News Updated: 13 July 2026 13:18 EAT
Photo Courtesy: The Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has condemned reports of violence, intimidation and alleged electoral malpractices ahead of Thursday's Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, warning that such actions threaten the constitutional principles of free, fair and credible elections.
In a statement issued on Monday, LSK President Charles Kanjama said the society had received reports and public information pointing to widespread electoral misconduct, including voter inducement, political intimidation, inflammatory political remarks and other actions capable of undermining the credibility of the by-election.
Kanjama said allegations that cash, goods and other benefits were being distributed to voters under the guise of empowerment programmes could amount to offences under the Election Offences Act if confirmed through investigations. He stressed that such practices, if proven, would undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
The lawyers' body also expressed concern over the alleged misuse of public resources, government programmes, public offices and state machinery to influence the outcome of the parliamentary contest.
LSK further cited reports of public officers engaging in partisan political activities, alongside incidents of violence, intimidation, organised groups and threats allegedly intended to influence voter behaviour and restrict political participation.
Kanjama maintained that electoral offences are criminal acts that erode constitutional governance and democratic legitimacy. He said the appropriate response is the prompt, impartial and effective enforcement of the law against all individuals found responsible.
The society urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to discharge its constitutional mandate independently and ensure that no political party, candidate, public officer or institution is treated as being above the law.
LSK also called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Public Service Commission and the National Police Service to investigate all reported electoral offences and prosecute those found culpable.
While acknowledging the IEBC's responsibility to conduct peaceful and credible elections, Kanjama cautioned that postponing the Ol Kalou by-election should remain an exceptional measure exercised strictly within the Constitution and the law.
He argued that voters should not be denied the opportunity to elect their representative because of alleged misconduct by candidates or political actors, noting that existing legal mechanisms provide sufficient sanctions, including investigations, prosecutions, fines and disqualification proceedings.
LSK announced that it will deploy accredited election observers to monitor the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election and independently assess compliance with constitutional principles, electoral laws and democratic standards throughout the voting process.
The society said the Ol Kalou by-election will serve as an important test of Kenya's electoral governance framework ahead of the 2027 General Election, adding that the response by institutions to alleged electoral offences will play a significant role in shaping public confidence in future electoral processes.
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