By Martin Mwangi
The just concluded campaigns ahead of tomorrow’s by-elections across 22 electoral areas have left behind a trail of tension, violence, and bitter rivalries that now cast a heavy shadow over the exercise. What was meant to be a democratic contest to fill vacant seats quickly degenerated into chaotic scenes in several constituencies and wards, with rival supporters clashing, property destroyed, and lives disrupted. As the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) moves to assure Kenyans of a free and fair process, the memories of violence during the campaigns remain fresh, raising questions about whether the polls can truly be conducted peacefully.
In Kilifi County, where political competition has historically been fierce, rival supporters engaged in running battles after accusations of bribery and intimidation surfaced. Youths aligned to opposing camps hurled stones at each other in Rabai, forcing police to intervene with tear gas to disperse the crowds. Several people sustained injuries, and campaign vehicles were vandalized. The violence was triggered by allegations that one candidate’s team was ferrying voters to rallies with promises of cash handouts, a claim that sparked outrage among opponents. The IEBC County Elections Manager Juma Musa later assured residents that security would be reinforced during the voting exercise, warning presiding officers against collusion with politicians.
In Kasipul constituency, the campaigns were marred by sporadic clashes between supporters of two leading candidates. Returning Officer Rebbeca Abwaku confirmed that police had to break up confrontations in Oyugis town after rival groups attempted to block each other’s processions. Shops were temporarily closed as traders feared escalation, and several arrests were made. Abwaku reiterated that the Commission would not tolerate misconduct from its staff or candidates, emphasizing that anyone found violating electoral rules would face immediate arrest.
Narok County also witnessed ugly scenes when supporters of two aspirants clashed at William Ole Ntimama Stadium during a rally. Chairs were broken, and several vehicles parked outside the venue were damaged. Police officers stationed nearby had to intervene swiftly to restore order. The incident highlighted the deep divisions among voters, with accusations of ethnic mobilization and inflammatory speeches fueling tensions. Community elders later called for calm, urging politicians to tone down their rhetoric and allow residents to make their choices peacefully.
In Embu’s Mbeere North constituency, where the by-election has attracted national attention, violence erupted in Siakago after rival camps accused each other of ferrying outsiders to swell rally numbers. Stones were thrown, and one campaign lorry was set ablaze before police dispersed the crowd. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has been vocal in the campaigns, condemned the violence and accused government officials of attempting to divide the community. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who was also on the campaign trail, dismissed the claims and insisted that the government was committed to a peaceful process. The clashes underscored the high stakes in Mbeere North, where the contest is seen as a proxy battle between the ruling party and the opposition.
In Kisii County, supporters of two candidates in Bonchari constituency engaged in violent confrontations that left several injured. Police reported that machetes and clubs were used during the clashes, forcing them to arrest more than a dozen youths. The violence was linked to allegations of voter bribery and intimidation, with rival camps accusing each other of attempting to manipulate the outcome. Religious leaders in the area condemned the incidents, urging politicians to respect democratic principles and avoid inciting their supporters.
Elsewhere in Kakamega’s Matungu constituency, tension flared when rival campaign teams crossed paths in a market center. What began as verbal exchanges quickly escalated into physical confrontations, leaving traders caught in the chaos. Police fired in the air to disperse the crowds, and several campaign posters were torn down. The incident highlighted the fragile nature of political competition in the region, where past elections have often been accompanied by violence.
In Nairobi’s Embakasi ward, violence erupted after supporters accused each other of destroying campaign materials. Youths armed with crude weapons engaged in running battles, forcing police to intervene. Several arrests were made, and candidates were summoned by IEBC officials to sign peace pledges. The Commission warned that any candidate found inciting violence would be disqualified from the race.
Despite these disturbing scenes, IEBC Chief Executive Officer Hussein Marjan has assured Kenyans that the Commission has finalized all preparations for the by-elections. He emphasized that staff across all polling zones are fully trained and equipped, and that security agencies have put in place measures to guarantee peaceful voting. Marjan insisted that the by-elections will be conducted according to the law, promising a free, fair, and credible process. His words were meant to reassure a public shaken by the violence witnessed during campaigns, but skepticism remains among many voters.
The Commission’s warnings to its staff have been stern. Presiding Officers and Deputy Presiding Officers have been told in no uncertain terms that collusion with politicians will not be tolerated. Musa in Kilifi and Abwaku in Kasipul both confirmed that staff risk arrest and prosecution if they attempt to steal votes or spoil ballots. The message is clear: IEBC is determined to safeguard the integrity of the process, even as tensions simmer in the affected areas.
The violence during campaigns has raised broader questions about Kenya’s political culture. Why do elections continue to be accompanied by chaos, intimidation, and destruction? Analysts argue that weak enforcement of electoral laws, coupled with the high stakes of political contests, fuels desperation among candidates and their supporters. The promise of power and access to resources often drives politicians to mobilize youths aggressively, sometimes encouraging them to confront rivals physically. Without strong deterrents, such behavior persists, undermining the democratic process.
As the November 27 by-elections approach, the memories of violence remain vivid. From Kilifi to Kasipul, Narok to Mbeere North, Kisii to Kakamega, and Nairobi, the campaigns have left scars that will take time to heal. The IEBC’s assurances of security and fairness are welcome, but the responsibility also lies with politicians and their supporters to respect the rule of law. The clashes witnessed during campaigns are a reminder that democracy is fragile and must be protected through vigilance, accountability, and restraint.
For ordinary citizens, the hope is that the violence will not spill over into the voting day. Many Kenyans simply want to exercise their democratic right peacefully, without fear of intimidation or disruption. The IEBC’s collaboration with security agencies will be tested, and the credibility of the Commission will hinge on its ability to deliver transparent results. The by-elections are not just about filling vacant seats; they are about reaffirming the nation’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
The coming days will determine whether the violence of the campaigns was an unfortunate prelude or a warning of deeper instability. For now, the Commission’s stern warnings, the presence of security personnel, and the resilience of voters offer hope that the by-elections can proceed without further disruption. But the scars of the campaign violence will linger, reminding Kenyans of the urgent need to reform political practices and strengthen institutions to ensure that elections are truly free, fair, and peaceful.
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