NAIROBI, Kenya—The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has expressed deep concern over allegations of electoral malpractice surrounding the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, warning that any breach of electoral laws threatens the integrity of Kenya’s democratic process.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the LSK President Charles Kanjama, the body said has been closely monitoring developments ahead of the July 16 poll, citing reports of voter inducement, misuse of public resources, political intimidation, violence and other conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
LSK said allegations that cash, household goods and other benefits were being distributed to voters under the guise of empowerment programmes, alongside claims of the use of government resources and public offices to support political campaigns, warranted immediate attention from institutions charged with safeguarding the electoral process.
The society also expressed concern over reports that public officers had allegedly engaged in partisan political activities contrary to constitutional requirements of neutrality, while warning against violence, intimidation and threats aimed at influencing voter behaviour.
According to LSK, electoral offences are criminal acts that strike at the heart of constitutional governance and should not be dismissed as ordinary political competition.
The lawyers’ body called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to exercise its constitutional mandate independently and without political influence by ensuring that all candidates, political parties and public officials are held accountable under the law where evidence of wrongdoing exists.
It further urged investigative and oversight agencies, including 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 any alleged violations of electoral laws and take appropriate legal action.
LSK also weighed in on growing public debate over whether the by-election should be postponed because of the reported irregularities. While acknowledging that the electoral commission has the responsibility to guarantee peaceful and credible elections, the society cautioned that postponing an election should remain an exceptional measure strictly guided by the Constitution and existing laws.
Instead, it argued that those responsible for electoral offences should be investigated and prosecuted without denying voters their constitutional right to elect their representative.
The society described the Ol Kalou contest as an important test of Kenya’s electoral governance framework ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the manner in which institutions respond to allegations of electoral misconduct will significantly shape public confidence in future elections.
To enhance transparency, LSK announced that it will deploy accredited election observers during the by-election to independently assess compliance with constitutional principles, electoral laws and democratic standards.
The observers’ findings, the society said, will inform future legal and policy recommendations aimed at strengthening accountability, transparency and public trust in Kenya’s electoral processes.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has attracted national attention following weeks of political tension, allegations of voter bribery, deployment of state resources in campaigns and isolated incidents of violence, prompting increased scrutiny from electoral stakeholders as the constituency prepares to vote on Thursday.
