KNHCR call upon IEBC to promote human rights ahead of August polls
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has called upon the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and security agencies to take action towards the promotion and protection of human rights ahead of August polls.
Speaking during a press briefing, the KNCHR chairperson Roseline Odede urged the National Police Service (NPS) and The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to take action to enforce the Election Offences Act and prompt prosecution and redress of human rights violations and abuses.
“Our mandate to promote and protect human rights, has traditionally monitored political processes since 2005. Ahead of the 9th Aug general election we have put in place mechanisms and systems for monitoring the compliance to human rights principles and standards, including the deployment of 150 field monitors across the country,” she said.
The commission also urged the police service to build capacity of National Police Officers in election security management including the dissemination of the election security management manual for police commanders, and enhance training for police response in containing insecurity and incorporate human rights approach when dealing with citizens.
Additionally, the commission called upon the electoral agency to step up efforts to enhance voter education to the public to engage in meaningful electoral process.
The human rights lobby noted that IEBC should inspire public confidence through continuous updates on the status of the preparedness towards the 2022 general elections and beyond.
The Commission has also documented human rights issues and their impact on a free, fair and credible 2022 general elections.
The documentation of salient concerns mentioned were the freedom on security of persons where various parts of the country including counties like, Lamu, Garissa, Marsabit, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Mandera, Nakuru, Turkana and West Pokot faced insecurity issues which has resulted in a reduction of campaign activities in these affected areas.
The KNCHR has to due date recorded a total of 24 cases of violence, out of which 20 cases were perpetrated during political parties’ nomination exercise and 4 cases during the current political campaigns.
Right to human life has also been highlighted as a concern by the commission on cases of killings that have been perpetrated in the context of elections.
Further, the body has also shown concerns on the attack of the IEBC, EACC and other oversight bodies for not clearing prospective aspirants due to their non-conformity to sound integrity issues enshrined in the chapter 6 of the constitution.
The misuses of public resources and inducement and under influence of voters have also been noted as the commission has documented 47 cases of misuse of public resources and 149 cases of inducement and under Influence that was recorded in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Machakos and Vihiga counties.
“In this remaining phase towards the 9th August polls, we urge members of the public to observe and maintain peace and respect rule of law during campaigns and shun away from violence, and other unruly acts during campaigns,” Roseline added.
The commission reiterated that the political electioneering process should focus towards protecting and promotion of human rights and all institutions charged with various mandates and responsibilities should work towards the realization of the same.
