- Voting in Kasipul started peacefully, with many residents queuing early, but the calm was later disrupted at a key polling centre
- Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was injured in an unexpected attack, sparking concern over security at the by-election
- ODM officials were intercepted inside a polling station, prompting a tense confrontation with election authorities over prohibited activities
- Police also impounded multiple vehicles carrying suspicious individuals as security remained tightened across the constituency
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Homa Bay: Voting in Kasipul constituency proceeded smoothly after polls opened, with many centres reporting a peaceful start.
Source: Facebook
Most residents queued promptly, casting their votes without significant interruptions, but the calm was punctured by sporadic incidents that underscored the tension in the tight by-election.
The first major disruption occurred at Agoro Sare Primary School polling centre, where Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who serves as ODM’s Boyd Were’s chief agent, was injured.
According to Kaluma, he was attacked by a group of goons, resulting in the displacement of a firearm carried by his bodyguard.
What happened at Nyatwere Polling Station?
Meanwhile, another dramatic moment unfolded at Nyatwere polling station in Kachien sub-location, Boyd’s home turf.
In an incident that drew immediate attention from security personnel, ODM party officials were intercepted attempting to conduct party business within the polling centre.
Video footage from the scene shows a senior police officer questioning the group about their activities.
“Is that the IEBC doing that? Who is in charge? I’m asking, is the IEBC really doing that work? I’m talking to you and you are silent. Are you working for the party or for the IEBC? Isn’t this party mobilisation? Madam,”the officer pressed.
The confrontation prompted the summoning of an IEBC official, who verified that the individuals were indeed ODM representatives.
“What kind of work is this? Which party? What is this… I said you should remove it. I already spoke to you,” the official stated.
How did IEBC respond to actions by ODM officials?
One of the intercepted documents bore the Orange party’s logo, confirming that they were conducting party-related registration rather than IEBC-sanctioned activity.
The IEBC official reminded the group of strict electoral regulations prohibiting campaigning within 400 metres of polling stations.
“Please, I want people to step outside! Out! The work being done here is IEBC work only; voting. If you want to do mobilisation, go and do it… and again, it must be within 400 metres. Let me warn you. I can charge you for campaigning here. Do you understand that? What you’re doing here is campaigning. And if I come out there, I will arrest all of you,” the officer stated as the officials were escorted out.
The tense scene at Nyatwere mirrored broader security concerns in the volatile constituency that has witnessed clashes during campaigns.
Source: Facebook
Amid the standoff, Ramogi TV reported that police had intercepted nine vehicles ferrying suspicious individuals into the area.
The vehicles, including seven Probox vehicles, a saloon car, and a public service matatu, were impounded as authorities intensified patrols to monitor movements and prevent potential flashpoints.
How did IEBC tighten rules in Kasipul?
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that IEBC barred all candidates and their supporters from moving between polling stations in the ongoing Kasipul by-election.
The restriction, announced by returning officer Rebecca Abwakhu, aimed to prevent further unrest and ensure orderly voting.
Authorities said there are enough police officers deployed to provide security.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
