CMD calls for probe into attack on journalists during Ol Kalou by-election

Pressure is increasingly piling on the police to launch thorough investigations into violence reported during the Ol Kalou by-election, with the Centre for Multiparty Democracy (CMD-Kenya) becoming the latest organisation to demand accountability over the chaos that left several journalists injured.

The calls come hours after similar demands from the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), Media Council of Kenya and Kenya Union of Journalists, which condemned the attack on journalists and called for action against those responsible.

CMD-Kenya executive director Frankline Mukwanja said the organisation was deeply concerned by incidents of violence, intimidation and alleged heavy-handed actions witnessed during the electoral process.

“Elections must be a peaceful exercise through which citizens freely express their democratic will, not an arena for fear, coercion, or confrontation,” Mukwanja said.

The lobby raised concerns over reports of excessive use of force by security agencies, violence near polling stations and harassment of accredited journalists covering the by-election.

Mukwanja said attempts to obstruct journalists carrying out their lawful duties threatened electoral transparency and public accountability.

“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,” he said.

He warned that failure by institutions to prevent, investigate and prosecute those involved in unlawful acts could normalise electoral violence and intimidation.

CMD-Kenya said the incidents risked undermining public confidence in key democratic institutions, including those responsible for election management, security and administration of justice.

The organisation said the events were particularly concerning, coming months ahead of the 2027 General Election, a time the country is expected to strengthen trust in electoral processes.

Mukwanja called for prompt, impartial and transparent investigations into all reported cases of violence, intimidation and interference with media freedom.

“Those responsible, irrespective of their status or political affiliation, must be held accountable,” he said.

He urged political actors, security agencies and electoral stakeholders to uphold constitutional rights and demonstrate restraint to protect the credibility of Kenya’s democratic processes.