The last days of the by-elections in Western Kenya have turned into a contest of culture clashes, voter bribery, violence, and escalating political accusations.
In Homa Bay’s Kasipul parliamentary by-election, age, marital status, and culture dominate debates. ODM candidate Boyd Were, 27, is being portrayed by rivals as too young and unmarried to lead.
Dozens injured as chaos mars campaigns ahead of by-elections on Nov 27
Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga questioned his suitability, saying leadership requires “someone who has a family he heads.” Mr Were pushed back with humour, calling himself “the husband of all widows in Kasipul” and insisting leadership is about ideas, not marital status.
Campaigns here have also normalised open voter bribery. After rallies, residents often queue behind politicians’ vehicles to receive cash, usually between Sh50 and Sh200, depending on the candidate.
Damaged vehicles parked at Berils Hospital in Kasipul Constituency in Homa Bay County on September 24, 2025. The vehicles were damaged by armed youths during ODM nominations in the region.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation
Malava parliamentary, Chwele, and Kisa East ward contests have been more combustible, marked by violence, intimidation, and allegations of State-backed interference.
A vehicle that was damaged when goons attacked Governor George Natembeya's convoy in Chwele ward, Kabuchai constituency on November 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Shaban Makokha | Nation Media Group
On Saturday, unknown attackers ambushed Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s convoy in Chwele while he campaigned for DAP-K’s Eric Wekesa, leaving scores injured and vehicles damaged. The attackers also vandalised Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga’s home. Opposition leaders labelled it “State-sponsored violence,” linking it to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala warned against a return to “violence, deaths and abductions” in politics. Natembeya urged President William Ruto to rein in allies, warning of national instability. In Malava, candidate Seth Panyako accused police of helping UDA’s David Ndakwa influence voters through “brazen bribery and rigging,” while government-aligned leaders blamed rivals for stirring tensions. Wetang’ula accused Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and Natembeya of disrespecting fellow leaders instead of offering solutions.
In Siaya’s Ugunja constituency, ODM campaigns also turned volatile. At a rally at Ugunja MCA Martin Otieno’s home, youths clashed, leaving three men—Peter Omondi, Mark Arony, and Brian—with gunshot wounds.
Two were transferred to Siaya County Referral Hospital. Police confirmed a “misunderstanding” but did not identify the shooters, sparking outrage from local youth. ODM national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga called for calm, echoed by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka at a Sigomere rally.
ODM chairperson, Gladys Wanga.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
Musyoka urged voters to back Eng. Orodi Odhiambo and uphold the legacy of the late PM Raila Odinga , accusing some leaders of hypocrisy for once mocking Odinga while now claiming to support him.
In Nyamira County, by-elections for Nyamaiya, Ekerenyo, and Nyansiongo wards have pitted President Ruto’s coalition against former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, who returned to rally Jubilee candidates. Speaking at Tonga SDA Church in Nyamaiya, Matiang’i condemned recent violence, warning that attacks such as those on Natembeya were coordinated, not coincidental.
He accused senior Kenya Kwanza figures of pumping millions into campaigns and hinted at rigging, citing statements by Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro about UDA having “other means” to ensure victory. Matiang’i urged voters to reject intimidation and bribery, insisting the contest was “between me and the one in power,” joined by Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni, MPs, and other senior officials.
Western Kenya’s by-elections reflect a region on edge: loyalties are shifting, tempers are high, and contests have become proxies for broader national rivalries.
Reporting by Ruth Mbula, George Odiwuor, Shabaan Makokha and Kassim Adinasi
