Violent scenes play out as by elections continue

Multiple scenes of violence have played out sparking tension and animosity as the mini-polls continue in various counties.

In Homa Bay county, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma is nursing head injuries following violence that marred the Kasipul constituency by-election on this morning.

On the other hand, in Malava constituency, Democratic Action Party of Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa called for the disqualification of David Ndakwa, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate in Malava Constituency, following allegations that he was involved in an attack on DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako.

At the same time, Wamalwa’s vehicle was set ablaze by goons in Manyonje, Butali Ward amid rising political tension in the area.

Wamalwa also claimed that there were attempts to interfere with police operations at certain polling stations, raising concerns about the credibility and safety of the by-election.

In Kisii, major roads were blocked notably in Nyansiongo.

In Kasipul, Kaluma said that his bodyguard lost his firearm during the incident.

“We have been attacked by our opponents, yet I am an agent of the ODM Party in this election. My bodyguard has lost his gun in the incident,” Kaluma told reporters.

He said he was assaulted by goons at Agoro Sare Primary School when he went to inspect the voting process.

Videos seen by The Informer Media Group show rowdy youths claiming that the MP has long been at the forefront of insulting them. Kaluma accused independent candidate Philip Aroko of orchestrating the attack.

Police have been on high alert following cases of violence in Kasipul Constituency ahead of the by-election.

Officers also confirmed reports of unrest on Wednesday night in parts of Narok and Kakamega, where at least two people were injured.

In Kakamega Town, a man was reportedly held captive and beaten over allegations of involvement in rigging. He was later rescued and rushed to hospital with head injuries.

“Any candidate found engaging in violence or attempting to manipulate the electoral process should be immediately disqualified,” Wamalwa said.

The allegations come amid heightened tensions in Malava, where security has been beefed up to prevent disruptions.

Election officials and police are reportedly investigating the claims and monitoring the situation closely.

UDA and David Ndakwa have not publicly responded to the accusations as of Thursday morning. Voting in Malava continues under tight security, with residents encouraged to exercise their democratic rights peacefully.

Seth Panyako of DAP-K questioned last minute and sudden change in the stream where he was assigned to vote, saying the alteration cast doubt on the integrity of the by-election.

Speaking at Lunyu Primary School after casting his ballot, Panyako said he was surprised to find that he had been moved from Stream One, where he voted in the last election, to a different stream despite the register remaining the same.

“They’re saying it is a small administrative issue, according to them. Last elections I voted in Stream One, and we’re using the same registers, and I don’t know why the change,” he said. “To me, it raises an issue that maybe the register of voters has been tampered with.”

And in Mbeere North constituency where DP’s Newton Karish is battling it out with UDA’s Leonard Wamuthende, voting is going on smoothly.

“I have this morning cast my vote at Kanyuambora Primary School, and I can confirm that the process is smooth, calm and moving efficiently. Even with the heavy police presence meant to instill fear and discourage participation the people of Mbeere remain unmoved,” former Attorney General and Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Mutiru said after casting his vote.

Muturi dismissed concerns about political intimidation, saying, “No goons here, voting is proceeding peacefully and orderly.”

In Narok, a ward candidate was reportedly harassed by unidentified assailants.

Despite the incidents, the National Police Service (NPS) stated that the voting exercise began smoothly in all centres.

NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga emphasised that the police are working closely with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to uphold their constitutional mandate, which is protecting life and property, preventing crime and ensuring public safety while respecting human rights.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon assured voters of enhanced security, noting that each polling station has a minimum of two officers on duty, with additional teams patrolling to provide rapid response when needed.

“Voters are assured of a secure and peaceful environment and are urged to report any incidents through the appropriate security channels,” Ethekon said.