The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) report points fingers at politicians in the leading coalitions — Cord and Jubilee — as well as other parties contesting in the elections as having engaged in various forms of electoral fraud, including canvassing for votes across the country.
The commission wants action taken against the culprits.
KNCHR acting chairperson Ann Ngugi said video, visual and photographic evidence had been forwarded to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, the police and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) but the agencies were slow in taking action.
“We have made written submissions but they have only given us oral assurance that action had been taken on the culprits,” she said.
Under the Elections Act, electoral malpractices attract heavy penalties, including a three-year jail term and a minimum of Sh1 million fine.
If there is strong evidence, the candidates involved in the alleged malpractices can be disqualified from running for office.
Ms Ngugi said the commission was still waiting for IEBC in particular to take stern action provided for in law, which would send a strong signal that candidates for various elective positions have to act with decorum to ensure the credibility of the electoral process is maintained.
“We are still waiting for the IEBC to take some of the action stipulated in law,” she said. -Daily Nation
