Human Rights lobby calls for credible polls

The National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has expressed concerns in light of recent developments ahead of Tuesday, August 8 polls.

Speaking at the KNHCR offices in Nairobi, Chairperson Kagwiria Mbogori said that the commission is concerned by a myriad of issues ahead of the elections most notably being the recent murder of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ICT director, Chris Msando, and the recent deaths of Meshack Kimutai and Kahari Mwangi, who were Emgwen MP and Muranga MCA aspirants respectively.

“The commission urges the office of the Inspector General to carry out the necessary investigations in order to find the killers of IEBC ICT director, Chris Msando, and Meshack Kimutai and Kahari Mwangi who were Emgwen MP and Muranga MCA aspirants,” Ms. Mbogori said.

Commission Vice Chairperson, George Morara, also faulted political parties for directing their supporters not to leave polling stations after voting saying such a move is unconstitutional.

“The law is very clear about gatherings in close proximity of the 400 m radius of a polling station, politicians should cease encouraging their supporters to camp around polling stations,” Morara said.

He said that the commission is keen to remind members of the public that rights come with responsibilities and obligations.

Ms. Mbogori said that the commission is also worried by the mass movement of people especially in urban areas due to fear of eruption of violence.

“We are concerned by the recent mass movement of persons especially in urban areas, we are monitoring proceedings consequently our teams have been on the ground this week and in Lamu County we have noted that a huge number of people have fled to IDP Camps while some have sought refuge in Kasakakairu and AIC church in Mpeketoni, these people are unlikely to vote and are wary of their safety,” Ms. Mbogori said.

She also noted that the commission has recently expanded its reach by increasing its 84 monitors who were in 29 counties to 139 spread to 37 counties while the remaining 10 counties will be monitored by locals on the ground.