Security roadblocks set up across Embu ahead of Mbeere North by-election as UDA alleges opposition plot to intimidate voters

Roadblocks have been set up across Embu County as security agencies prepare for Thursday’s Mbeere North by-election, with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders alleging a plot by opposition groups to intimidate voters.

Embu Governor and UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire claimed the opposition had hired goons to disrupt voting in areas considered UDA strongholds.

Security has been intensified across the county, with police deploying roadblocks on all major entry and exit routes, including Nairobi-Embu Road and Embu-Meru Road. The measures have caused significant traffic congestion as officers inspect vehicles for individuals suspected of being brought in to disrupt the polls.

Mbarire said her party has credible information indicating that the opposition plans to target UDA strongholds.

“We have the names of those who have been brought by the Opposition to cause mayhem. We have reported the names to the security officers, and they are being monitored,” she said.

She added that the alleged plot focuses on areas where UDA believes the opposition is weak.

“You cannot use force or intimidation for people to vote for you. If persuasion didn’t work, even intimidation and violence would not work. We have a case of a resident who underwent knee surgery at Embu Rail for injuries caused by goons sponsored by the opposition,” Mbarire said.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku echoed the concerns over voter intimidation, alleging bribery by opposition groups ahead of the election.

“We also want to condemn the voter bribery going on at Kanyombora, Ishiara and several other areas led by the opposition,” Ruku said.

Both leaders have called on police officers to remain vigilant to ensure that the by-election process is free of violence. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also urged calm, stating that the government has deployed elaborate security arrangements.

“We have shared the names and telephone numbers of all those goons who have come from outside the county. Security will ensure nobody disrupts the exercise,” he said.

Over 300 police officers have received final deployment orders, while the Embu County police commander assured residents of a peaceful polling day. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has also completed the dispatch of election materials to all 134 polling stations across the constituency.

In response to the accusations, the United Opposition released a statement accusing the Kenya Kwanza leadership of attempting to frustrate voters’ will. They highlighted alleged voter intimidation, bribery, improper ballot serialisation, extended campaigning and potential interference by police and election officials.

“The desperation of this regime is obvious to all. No amount of public money, police deployment, bullets or intimidation of opposition leaders and supporters will succeed in silencing the will of the people,” read the statement.

The opposition urged supporters to vote peacefully, monitor polling stations and report any irregularities. They also called on the IEBC to safeguard the integrity of the election, insisting that credible oversight is critical for a free and fair process.

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UDA has, however, dismissed the opposition’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated. The party accused opposition leaders of attempting to undermine the IEBC and prepare the ground for rejecting the will of the people, claiming that these claims signal fear of imminent defeat.

“Clearly, the joint opposition has sensed imminent defeat at the ballot. Their strategy of attacking our democratic institutions whenever they stare defeat in the face is a tired, old-fashioned, corrosive and primitive way of life, and an insult to the intelligence of Kenyan voters,” UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan said.

The party lauded the IEBC’s professionalism and transparency in managing the by-elections, saying the electoral body had demonstrated integrity and that the opposition’s claims were unfounded.

UDA also urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to vote, calling on security officers to remain focused on maintaining law and order.

“We urge the IEBC to ignore the senseless claims by our opponents and continue with their duty of conducting a free and transparent process. The electoral body must put these sore losers to shame. We have confidence in the electoral team,” Hassan said.

Meanwhile, the IEBC confirmed that all preparations for the by-elections across 22 electoral areas have been completed. Polling will begin at 6:00 am and end at 5:00 pm, with provisions to allow voters still in queues to cast their ballots.

The commission emphasised the secrecy of the ballot, noting that no photographs will be taken inside polling stations and reaffirmed that accredited agents, observers and media personnel must not interfere with the voting or tallying process.

“The Commission remains fully committed to delivering free, fair, transparent and credible by-elections. Voters are encouraged to participate in large numbers and exercise their democratic rights peacefully,” IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said.

The commission has also deployed security personnel at all polling stations, tallying centres and strategic locations to guarantee a secure environment.

Ethekon reiterated that any complaints should be reported through official channels, and aggrieved parties are reminded that the courts remain the lawful avenue for dispute resolution.