Malava, Kakamega County – Tensions rose in Malava on Friday, November 21, as police officers clashed with local residents during an opposition campaign rally.
The rally was held to support Seth Panyako, the opposition candidate for Malava Constituency, and quickly turned chaotic when law enforcement tried to break it up.
According to eyewitnesses, the rally had just started in Malava Town when police officers arrived and began using tear gas to disperse the crowd.
According to eyewitnesses, the rally had just started in Malava Town when police officers arrived and began using tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Residents, however, resisted the move. A group of locals confronted the officers and forced them to leave, allowing the rally to continue.
This incident happened just five days before the highly awaited by-elections in Malava. Political tensions in the area are high, with pro-government politicians pushing for David Ndakwa’s victory.
This incident happened just five days before the highly awaited by-elections in Malava. Political tensions in the area are high, with pro-government politicians pushing for David Ndakwa’s victory.
Opposition leaders accused the government of trying to interfere with the elections and disrupt their campaigns.
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At the rally, a Wiper party leader addressed the crowd and condemned the police action. He claimed there was a well-coordinated effort by pro-government supporters to sabotage the elections.
“Organizing and holding peaceful campaigns is not against the law. Yet, there are reports of plans to hire goons to interfere with the polls,” he said.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, speaking to residents, said, “I have faced tear gas before, and I am still alive. You can continue to use it, but we will not stop our campaigns.” His words showed the determination of opposition politicians to continue despite challenges from authorities.
The Malava incident has raised concerns about the security and fairness of the upcoming by-elections, which are scheduled for November 27 across several parts of Kenya.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, speaking to residents, said, “I have faced tear gas before, and I am still alive. You can continue to use it, but we will not stop our campaigns.” His words showed the determination of opposition politicians to continue despite challenges from authorities.
The Malava incident has raised concerns about the security and fairness of the upcoming by-elections, which are scheduled for November 27 across several parts of Kenya.
The opposition has already petitioned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to act against alleged plans to manipulate the vote.
In a related case, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi expressed concerns about the Mbeere North by-elections. He claimed there were deliberate plans to rig the election in favor of a pro-government candidate. Muturi urged the IEBC to prevent the use of hired goons and ensure voters can participate freely.
In a related case, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi expressed concerns about the Mbeere North by-elections. He claimed there were deliberate plans to rig the election in favor of a pro-government candidate. Muturi urged the IEBC to prevent the use of hired goons and ensure voters can participate freely.
“I bring to your attention plans aimed at denying voters a fair election. I call on the commission to act immediately and update us on the measures taken,” he said.
The events in Malava highlight the growing political tension in Kenya ahead of the by-elections. Residents, opposition leaders, and election authorities are closely watching how security agencies manage campaign events.
The events in Malava highlight the growing political tension in Kenya ahead of the by-elections. Residents, opposition leaders, and election authorities are closely watching how security agencies manage campaign events.
The clashes also show the delicate balance between law enforcement, political freedom, and citizens’ right to vote.
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