Malava by-election marred by violence as Wamalwa's car torched by UDA supporters

The Malava by-election descended into chaos on Thursday, with violent attacks that included the torching of a vehicle belonging to DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa.

Locals identified some assailants as well-known politicians, including a former Cabinet Secretary for sports, a Member of Parliament, several goons and a businessman.

The violence erupted in the Manyonje area of Butali when rival political groups clashed on the road, residents said. The Toyota Prado reportedly owned by Wamalwa went up in flames after it was allegedly torched by UDA supporters.

“We left home to come and vote thinking this was an election, but it turned into a battle. Please, we ask the government to look into this matter. These young men are carrying guns and some even have clubs; we don’t know them, except we recognise some leaders among them. Leave this election alone, this is Malava, not Mumias,” said Elphas Mukhwami, a Manyonje resident.

“People came in a large group, more than 10 vehicles. They disembarked with clubs and guns and began beating people,” said Sylvester Majengo, another resident.

Residents said masked attackers removed two briefcases from Wamalwa’s vehicle before setting it on fire.

In a separate incident, DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako and his wife were attacked at their Downhill Kaburengu Hotel on Wednesday night. Armed thugs allegedly stormed the premises, injuring employees and damaging property and vehicles.

“I saw many people coming; they hit the gate and forced their way in and started destroying things. When I saw the group gaining the upper hand, we had to run for safety,” said Cleophas Wasike, a hotel guard.

Panyako said several of his employees were injured and one remained in theatre.

“They were grievously harmed,” he said, adding that he believes his life is in danger and accused a local businessman and state agents of deploying the attackers.

Wamalwa condemned the attacks and called on the media to expose wrongdoing. “Our democracy is facing its darkest hour. You, the media, must defend it by exposing these electoral malpractices,” he said.

UDA candidate David Ndakwa denied involvement in the violence. “I have been peaceful throughout the voting process. I’ve remained calm. I am not involved in any violence,” he said.

Tension gripped the area after the attacks, with police moving in to restore calm. Questions remain over who orchestrated the violence and why no arrests were immediately made.

Despite the chaos, residents eventually managed to cast their ballots. Panyako voted at St Joseph Linyu while Ndakwa cast his vote at Mukongolo polling station, and both camps traded accusations of planned electoral fraud.