By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 27 November 2025 - Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo have criticised the government over Thursday’s by-elections, warning that the violence reported across several constituencies signals a worsening democratic environment.
Sifuna described the vote as “one of the bloodiest election days in recent history,” claiming that the unrest in Kabuchai, Malava and Kasipul suggested a collapse in security leadership—or possible collusion by state officers.
He said Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and senior police commanders had “failed in their duty to safeguard voters, candidates and election officials”.
Orengo issued an equally stark warning, saying Kenya risked sliding into a dangerous pattern of militarised and lawless politics.
“We can’t be first world if, years after Constitution 2010, we can’t hold peaceful and fair elections,” Orengo said.
“The militarisation and ‘goonification’ of elections is an evil worse than mlolongo. The East African neighbourhood is becoming—or has been—extremely intolerant and despotic.”
The comments followed widespread reports of intimidation, fights between rival groups and disrupted voting in different constituencies that held by-elections.
In Kasipul, Homa Bay Town MP and ODM chief agent Peter Kaluma was injured after violence broke out at a polling station.
He accused supporters of independent candidate Philip Aroko of attacking him, claiming the confrontation was driven by fears of electoral defeat.
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A firearm belonging to Kaluma’s bodyguard went missing in the incident. Police later increased security checks, mounted roadblocks and patrolled volatile areas. At least seventeeen people have been arrested and the firearm recovered, according to the latest reports.
Malava also experienced heightened tension.
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa alleged that UDA candidate David Ndakwa was linked to an assault on DAP-K aspirant Seth Panyako.
Panyako said he believed attempts on his life were politically motivated. Police said the matter was under investigation.
In Magarini, Kilifi County, residents confronted Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga after accusing him of entering a polling centre without accreditation.
Officers escorted him out as election officials reminded candidates that only authorised individuals were permitted inside polling stations.
Despite assurances from authorities that the polls remained credible, the incidents revived concerns about Kenya’s ability to conduct peaceful elections 15 years after the 2010 Constitution promised a break from violent political contests.
