Violence has intensified across several counties in the final days leading up to Kenya’s ward and parliamentary by-elections, leaving one person dead and multiple homes damaged.
Incidents have been reported in Bungoma, Kakamega, and Machakos counties, raising concerns over election-related safety.
In Kabuchai Ward, Bungoma County, a 70-year-old man succumbed to injuries sustained during a stampede caused by heightened political confrontations.
In Kabuchai Ward, Bungoma County, a 70-year-old man succumbed to injuries sustained during a stampede caused by heightened political confrontations.
Bungoma County Police Commander Anderson Njagi confirmed that the victim died while receiving treatment in a local hospital.
Gunfire and clashes between rival groups marked the violent incidents, leaving a trail of destruction in the area.
Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga reported that his property was vandalized during the confrontations, estimating the damage at around three million shillings.
Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga reported that his property was vandalized during the confrontations, estimating the damage at around three million shillings.
Kalasinga accused political opponents of orchestrating the attacks and called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to take urgent action.
Several vehicles damaged in the clashes have been impounded as part of ongoing investigations.
Governor George Natembeya condemned the violence, emphasizing that such attacks would only strengthen community resolve and determination.
Governor George Natembeya condemned the violence, emphasizing that such attacks would only strengthen community resolve and determination.
Similarly, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi warned authorities against using force to suppress opposition leaders, insisting that the current generation would not tolerate electoral malpractice or intimidation.
In Machakos County, tensions remain high ahead of the Mumbuni North Ward by-election following an assault on John Wambua Musau during a campaign event.
In Machakos County, tensions remain high ahead of the Mumbuni North Ward by-election following an assault on John Wambua Musau during a campaign event.
Musau is currently receiving treatment at Machakos Level 5 Hospital. Kibwezi West MP Mwengi
Mutuse has urged authorities to enforce peaceful conduct during campaigns, highlighting the need for safety in the final stages of electioneering.
These incidents follow recent actions by the IEBC, which fined Kasipul parliamentary candidates one million shillings each for violating the electoral code of conduct.
These incidents follow recent actions by the IEBC, which fined Kasipul parliamentary candidates one million shillings each for violating the electoral code of conduct.
Despite these penalties, confrontations and disputes continue to erupt, reflecting the high-stakes nature of the upcoming by-elections.
Opposition leaders have called for thorough investigations into the violence, describing the attacks as “orchestrated attempts” to intimidate voters and political contenders.
Opposition leaders have called for thorough investigations into the violence, describing the attacks as “orchestrated attempts” to intimidate voters and political contenders.
The escalating tensions underscore the challenges of conducting peaceful elections in regions with deep political rivalries.
Communities affected by the clashes are urging both candidates and authorities to prioritize dialogue and security.
Communities affected by the clashes are urging both candidates and authorities to prioritize dialogue and security.
Local leaders stress the importance of ensuring that voters can participate without fear, while law enforcement agencies have vowed to maintain order as the elections approach.
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