Western Kenya by-elections marked by voter apathy, violence and bribery

Violence, voter apathy and bribery claims marred the by-elections in Western region as constituents went to the polls to elect their leaders.

In most polling stations, there were short queues as many people stayed away from the mini-polls held in Malava, Kasipul and Ugunja constituencies.

The same situation was witnessed in Nyamira County where by –election took place in three wards; Ekerenyo, Nyamaiya and Nyansiongo.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was among people who were attacked and injured as armed youths reigned terror in Kasipul in the Thursday by-election.

The legislator got a cut in his head after he was hit with a blunt object as goons roughed him up at Agoro Sare Primary School in West Kamagak Ward.

His body guard also claimed to have lost his firearm when they were assaulted by a group of youths who did not want them at the polling station.

This led to a tense situation at the school as rival groups bade for each other’s blood.

Mr Kaluma had camped at the polling station where he was waiting for the Orange Democratic Movement Party candidate Boyd Were.

According to Mr Kaluma, he thought that it was Mr Were who had arrived to vote.

But the cars belonged to independent Candidate Philip Aroko who had earlier voted in Kachieng Primary School in East Kamagak Ward.

For a brief moment, the legislator and the candidate embraced each other as they laughed and hugged. But youths who had surrounded the politicians were agitated and those who wanted the MP to leave turned wild. Some accused him of engaging in voter bribery. 

Police had to force them out of the school compound.

“I know who the attackers are. They are goons hired from Kibra, Mathare and Ruaraka to cause chaos in Kasipul. If I were to fight, there would be no voting. I am the chairperson of ODM in the county and an observer in the election. There was no reason to attack me,” Mr Kaluma said.

Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said they are pursuing youths who assaulted the legislator and took the gun.

"We're taking the matter very seriously and looking for the suspects after they disappeared. There should be peace," Mr Koilem said.

Violence was also witnessed in Malava constituency and the neighbouring Lugari.

Several vehicles, some belonging to Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) candidate Seth Panyako, were damaged, his hotel vandalised after goons said to be armed with guns and crude weapons raided it on Wednesday night. 

In a separate incident, a Toyota Prado vehicle reportedly belonging to the opposition members was set ablaze as violence and voter intimidation rocked Malava by-elections.

The situation was not any different in Nyamira where the by-elections were held in three wards where goons armed with pangas, arrows and other crude weapons roamed across polling stations in Nyansiongo, Ekerenyo and Nyamaiya electoral areas, causing panic and even attacking voters.

The goons were seen under the command of a powerful Member of the Parliament from Kisii County who enjoys massive support under the ruling Kenya Kwanza government. They intimidated voters and dished out handouts to voters so that they could vote in favour of their preferred candidates.

They were however met with resistance from members of the public who pelted them with stones and chased them out.

Residents also temporarily barricaded the Kisii-Sotik Highway to prevent the goons from accessing other polling centres.

The situation was not different in Ekerenyo Ward in North Mugirango Constituency.

At Ikonge PAG, tension was witnessed when supporters' of area MP Joash Nyamoko and his Kitutu Chache South counterpart Anthony Kibagendi clashed over allegations of voter bribery.

A vehicle that was loaded with batons was intercepted at Okinge PAT police station.

All these acts spread fear among constituents who failed to show up for voting for the better part of the morning.

Unlike other areas where the mini-polls were  conducted amid high stakes and tensions, Ugunja experienced relatively calm campaigns with no major incident reported on the voting day.

Voter apathy was however evident with polling stations like Ugunja Township Primary School which is one of the highest populated centres, receiving very few voters.

A spot check by Nation established that since the centre was opened in the morning, people trickled in bits.

“I urge all the registered voters to come out and vote for the leader of their choice, it is a right that they all need to exercise,” said Energy and Petroleum Cabinet secretary Opiyo Wandayi after voting at Lwanda Comprehensive School in Sidindi Ward.

The Ugunja seat fell vacant after he was appointed as a CS.

That was the same call made by ODM and Federal Party candidates, Mr Moses Omondi and Dr Maurice Juma Okumu.

“The process has been calm and I call upon all the registered voters to come and vote and have a leader of their choice,” said Omondi.

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Reporting by Shaban Makokha, George Odiwuor, Kassim Adinasi, Wycliffe Nyaberi and Ruth Mbula