United Opposition Raises Alarm Over Alleged Manipulation Ahead Of Today’s By-Elections
From left; Eugene Wamalwa, Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua while issuing the statement yesterday. Photo/Courtesy.
By MKT Reporter
The United Opposition yesterday sounded alarm over alleged attempts to manipulate today’s by-elections, warning that intimidation, bribery, and ballot tampering will threaten the integrity of the vote.
In a statement issued, party leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua and Eugene Wamalwa thanked supporters across the country for turning out in large numbers during peaceful campaigns, and reiterated that Kenyans are clearly hungry for change.
“The dissatisfaction is real, and the regime knows it. That is why they are trying every trick to frustrate the people’s will,” the statement read.
The opposition claimed that police officers, many in plainclothes, were deployed in constituencies such as Narok Town, Malava, and Mbeere North, not to protect citizens, but to intimidate voters and opposition supporters. Unmarked vehicles, they said, were reported roaming towns, creating an atmosphere of fear rather than security.
The opposition also accused senior state officials, including MPs, MCAs, Chiefs, PSs, the Deputy President, and the President himself, of using public resources, including government vehicles, relief food, mattresses, and even letters of appointment to embassies to manipulate voters.
The misuse of these resources, they said, represents a betrayal of public trust and a deliberate attempt to influence the outcome of the by-elections.
Concerns over ballot integrity were also highlighted, with the opposition claiming that 820,000 printed ballots were improperly serialized, creating a loophole for potential ballot-stuffing. They further alleged that 30,000 pre-marked ballots were sent to targeted battleground areas through compromised presiding officers.
In addition, the opposition warned that regime agents have been conducting campaigns beyond the official period, accompanied by police and hired goons, in an effort to tilt the playing field.
Malava, in particular, was cited as a potential flashpoint, with fears of coordinated violence aimed at disrupting voting and enabling fraud.
The statement also raised alarm over the potential misuse of mobile phones in polling stations, warning that the secrecy of the ballot could be violated. The opposition criticized the IEBC for providing weak and insufficient responses to these concerns, calling into question the commission’s independence and ability to guarantee a free and fair vote.
In a rallying call to voters, the United Opposition urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers, remain peaceful, and vigilantly document any irregularities.
Party agents were instructed to ensure that ballot boxes are empty before voting begins, stay at their stations until polls close, and report any attempt to influence or intimidate voters. Observers, the media, and civil society were also called upon to maintain maximum vigilance and expose any malpractice.
“The will of Kenyans is sacred. It cannot be bought, bullied, or broken. Tomorrow, let us vote with courage, guard the vote with vigilance, and move forward with faith, knowing that the truth may be delayed, but it cannot be denied,” the statement concluded.
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