Violence, delays, low voter turnout reported in Embu, Kakamega by-elections

In Kakamega County, one person was arrested over allegations of disrupting the voting exercise in the West Kabras by-election. 

On Thursday morning, thousands of West Kabras residents flooded various polling centres to participate in the by-election. Scores of voters encountered hitches in the biometric identification process, causing delays in the voting exercise.

“Nilikua hapa saa kumi na mbili na nimekuwa na hamu ya kupiga kura, but kufika saa hii line imekuwa ndefu. Nimekaa hapa mpaka nimeanza kuchoka. Mashine huko ndani inafanya kazi pole pole,” stated Julius Chesoli, resident.

One person was arrested at the Imbiakalo polling centre on allegations of planning to disrupt the elections, with some leaders alleging an elaborate plot involving organised attacks.

Former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala castigated what he termed as exaggerated deployment of police officers, accusing leaders allied to the government of misusing state agencies.

“There has been voter suppression because over 100 police officers have been roaming around here. They have teargassed us. They have been working with chiefs and subchiefs to intimidate women,” Malala lamented.

In Mbeere North Constituency, one person was injured in a scuffle that broke out at Njarage Primary School. Kelvin Mwenda, an agent of a candidate, claimed he was attacked by supporters of a rival candidate.

“The turnout is low and I think it is because of the rain yesterday, so some places in Mbeere are hard to access. We hope that as the day progresses, the turnout will improve,” stated Maingi James, a Returning Officer at Evurore ward. 

By-elections are being held in Muminji and Evurore wards in Mbeere North, Embu County, as well as West Kabras ward in Kakamega County.