By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 16 July 2026 - The Centre for Multiparty Democracy–Kenya (CMD-Kenya) has raised the alarm over what it describes as violence, intimidation and suppression of media freedom during Thursday's Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, warning that the incidents threaten public confidence in Kenya's electoral system ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the multi-party democracy lobby condemned what it termed excessive use of force by security agencies, violence around polling stations and the harassment of accredited journalists covering the by-election.
The organisation said elections should provide citizens with an opportunity to freely express their democratic will and not become "an arena for fear, coercion or confrontation."
CMD-Kenya Executive Director Frankline Mukwanja said attacks on journalists were particularly worrying because the media plays a critical role in ensuring transparency and accountability during elections.
"Reports of excessive use of force by security agencies, violence around polling areas, and the harassment of duly accredited journalists carrying out their lawful duties are unacceptable," Mukwanja said.
"The media plays an indispensable role in safeguarding electoral transparency and public accountability. Any attempt to obstruct or intimidate accredited journalists undermines the integrity and credibility of the electoral process."
The organisation also accused institutions charged with enforcing the law of failing to curb electoral violence, warning that tolerance of such incidents encourages impunity.
According to CMD-Kenya, failure to investigate and prosecute perpetrators sends a dangerous message that political violence can occur without consequences, further eroding trust in democratic institutions.
More from Kenya
The lobby argued that the developments witnessed in Ol Kalou could undermine public confidence in institutions responsible for election management, security and the administration of justice at a time when Kenya should be strengthening preparations for the 2027 General Election.
It called for immediate, impartial and transparent investigations into all reported incidents of violence, intimidation and interference with media freedom, insisting that those found culpable should face the law regardless of their political affiliation or social status.
CMD-Kenya further appealed to political leaders, security agencies and all electoral stakeholders to uphold the Constitution, respect fundamental rights and exercise restraint to safeguard the country's democratic credentials.
"The lessons from Ol Kalou must inform urgent electoral, security and institutional reforms to ensure that future elections are peaceful, credible and reflective of the sovereign will of the people," Mukwanja said.
CMD-Kenya Says Press Freedom Under Siege, Cites Ol Kalou By-election Disruption By Masked Individuals
The Kofi Annan Foundation has warned that political thuggery in Kenya risks spiralling into post-election violence in 2027.