Former CJ Maraga condemns by-election violence, faults State for laxity
Voting in Thursday’s by-elections across multiple constituencies was marred by pockets of violence, disruptions, and heightened tension, underscoring the fragile political landscape surrounding the polls.
Former Chief Justice and presidential hopeful David Maraga has strongly condemned the ongoing incidents of violence during the by-elections taking place across the country.
Maraga, who accused President William Ruto’s administration of lacking the will to protect Kenyans from acts of violence and hooliganism, said the unrest reflects the regime's failure.
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“The electoral violence witnessed today, and indeed in the past few weeks, is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” Maraga posted on his X page on Thursday.
He further claimed that interference with the National Police Service and other independent institutions by the presidency undermines both security and democracy.
“President Ruto’s government continues to confirm that he is unable or unwilling to carry out his foremost constitutional function, protecting citizens, a mark of a leader who has lost legitimacy to govern,” he protested.
Voting in Thursday’s by-elections across multiple constituencies was marred by pockets of violence, disruptions, and heightened tension, underscoring the fragile political landscape surrounding the polls.
Kasipul Constituency
In Kasipul, Homa Bay Town MP and ODM chief agent Peter Kaluma was injured during confrontations at several polling stations. He sustained a soft-tissue head injury in what he described as an attack by supporters of independent candidate Philip Aroko.
Kaluma, who was monitoring the voting process, linked the assault directly to Aroko’s supporters.
“I was carrying out my duties as a party agent when I was assaulted. Aroko is losing, and that is why his people are attacking me. We will not respond because that is what they want. I call on our supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation,” Kaluma said after receiving medical attention.
The confusion also resulted in the loss of a firearm belonging to Kaluma’s bodyguard.
The by-election, which seeks to fill the parliamentary seat left vacant by the fatal shooting of former legislator Ongondo Were, has already witnessed violent incidents during the campaign, including two fatalities in recent weeks.
ODM candidate Boyd Were condemned the attack and urged security agencies to act swiftly.
“The people of Kasipul deserve a peaceful election. Those who are disrupting the process must be held accountable,” he said after casting his vote at Agoro Sare Primary School.
Security has since been intensified across the constituency, with officers manning roadblocks, frisking entrants to polling stations, and patrolling known hotspots.
Malava Constituency
In Malava, Kakamega County, tensions rose after Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa accused United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate David Ndakwa of involvement in an attack on DAP-K aspirant Seth Panyako. Wamalwa also alleged attempts to interfere with police operations at certain polling stations.
“Any candidate found engaging in violence or attempting to manipulate the electoral process should be immediately disqualified,” Wamalwa said.
Panyako, meanwhile, claimed there were plots to assassinate him, describing the threat as politically motivated and calling on authorities to provide protection.
Election officials and police are investigating the allegations, as voting continues under heightened security.
Magarini
In Magarini, Kilifi County, residents of Kanagoni reportedly chased away Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga, accusing him of acting as an unauthorised agent at a local polling station.
Security officials were deployed to restore order, while election officials reminded residents that only accredited agents and observers are permitted inside polling stations.
Narok Town Ward
In Narok Town Ward, Narok County, confusion erupted outside Masikonde Primary polling station as a Deputy County Party (DCP) candidate was hurriedly escorted away by security personnel. No injuries were reported.
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