Former Chief Justice David Maraga on Friday warned that violence, intimidation and attacks on journalists reported during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election posed a threat to Kenya’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking while launching the LindaKura initiative, Maraga said the by-election should be viewed as a national warning rather than a local political contest. He urged authorities to investigate reported incidents of electoral violence, protect media freedom and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Maraga praised residents of Ol Kalou for remaining steadfast despite the challenges they faced during the campaign and polling period.
“I applaud the people of Ol Kalou, who endured intimidation with more courage and for standing firm,” he said. He added that “the experiences witnessed during the by-election should serve as a wake-up call for Kenyans ahead of the 2027 General Election.”
The former Chief Justice said he could not remain silent because the principles of free and fair elections were under threat. “I have sat as Chief Justice of this Republic and adjudicated on what a free and fair election means. I will not now stand by and watch that standard be quietly buried ahead of the 2027 elections,” Maraga said.
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He argued that the Ol Kalou contest carried significance beyond Nyandarua County. “Ol Kalou was not a local contest. It is a rehearsal for 2027, and Kenyans must see it as such,” he said, describing the by-election as an early test of the country’s electoral preparedness.
Maraga also condemned attacks on journalists covering the election, saying the media must be allowed to work without fear or intimidation.
“We condemn the assault on the press by hooded gunmen, whose clear mission is to conceal evidence of electoral malpractice and gross violations of human rights. This is not democracy. This is impunity wearing the mask of an election,” he said.
Maraga said journalists play a critical role in promoting transparency during elections and should be protected while carrying out their work.
He further urged authorities to hold those behind the violence accountable, warning that failure to act could erode public confidence in Kenya’s democratic institutions and undermine trust in future elections. His remarks come amid continued concerns over election-related violence and the safety of journalists during political contests.
– By Esther Keshe
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