The recent by-elections
were meant to reaffirm the power of the people. Instead, in several areas, the
polls were marred by violence and fear. In Kasipul constituency, Homa Bay Town MP
Peter Kaluma was seriously injured at Agoro Sare Primary School, and his
bodyguard’s firearm was stolen. Police have since recovered the firearm.
In Malava constituency, there were reports of a vehicle belonging to a political actor being torched and allegations of assassination threats against a candidate.
Disturbances were also recorded in Mbeere North and Kabuchai, where polling agents were ejected, and tensions flared at stations.
The state, through its police and security agencies, must never preside over chaos, or worse, be complicit.
The alleged presence of non-uniformed officers in Mbeere North, in disregard of legal rulings, raises serious concern that state power may be used to intimidate rather than protect voters.
If this is what we tolerate today, 2027 could be far worse. Election violence must not be normalised.
The authorities must act swiftly and impartially. Every case of assault, arson or disruption — whether by private individuals or by state-linked actors — must be thoroughly investigated.
Those responsible for violence should be held to account in open court. Without justice now, we betray not only victims in these by-elections, but the very idea of free choice and pave the way for a future where fear silences the will of the people.
“Unless man is committed to the belief that all mankind are his brothers, then he labours in vain and hypocritically in the vineyards of equality.”
Adam Clayton Powell, Jr
The American Baptist pastor and politician who represented the Harlem neighbourhood was born on November 29, 1908.
