Political storm erupts as Jubilee, DAP-K accuse rivals of orchestrated violence in by-elections
In Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay Town MP and ODM chief agent Peter Kaluma was injured during confrontations at several polling stations.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party has raised concerns over the violence witnessed during Thursday’s by-elections.
The party’s Secretary-General, Jeremiah Kioni, has warned that the unrest could be a preview of what to expect in the 2027 General Election. He said the incidents pointed to either a failure by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and security agencies, or their active participation in the chaos.
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“Is this the blueprint the government is preparing for 2027? Today’s by-elections are a clear rehearsal for what lies ahead,” he said.
“Someone must be held accountable. Either the IEBC and the security agencies are working hand in hand with those orchestrating violence, or they have completely failed in their mandate. Let it be known that Kenyans will not sit back and watch institutions meant to protect them become tools of intimidation and chaos. Enough!” he posted.
Violence, disruptions
Across multiple constituencies, voting was marred by pockets of violence, disruptions, and heightened tension, highlighting the fragile political environment surrounding the mini polls.
In Kasipul Constituency, 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 said was an attack by supporters of independent candidate Philip Aroko.
Kaluma, who was monitoring the voting process, linked the incident 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.
During the melee, a firearm belonging to his bodyguard was also lost.
The by-election—held to fill the parliamentary seat left vacant after the fatal shooting of former legislator Ong'ondo Were—has already been marked by violence during the campaign period, including two fatalities in recent weeks.
In Malava Constituency, Kakamega County, tension escalated 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 interference with police operations at some polling stations.
“Any candidate found engaging in violence or attempting to manipulate the electoral process should be immediately disqualified,” Wamalwa said.
Panyako separately claimed there were politically motivated plots to assassinate him and urged authorities to ensure his protection.
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