The November 27 by-elections in Mbeere North and Malava descended into violence and intimidation, raising concerns about the integrity of Kenya’s electoral process.
Observers reported the presence of armed “goons” and police officers in civilian clothes, who opposition leaders claim actively disrupted voting and harassed agents and voters.
Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party, said the incidents marked a dangerous escalation ahead of the 2027 general elections. “Use of goons and heavily armed police in civilian clothes to overturn the will of the people sets the stage for serious acrimony,” he said.
In Mbeere North, opposition agents reported being blocked or chased away from polling stations by unidentified men. Residents described security vehicles dropping plainclothes officers who mingled with crowds and made arrests that were not formally documented. In Malava, campaign meetings were disrupted, supporters beaten, and at least one vehicle in a candidate’s convoy torched.
The deployment of plainclothes police, intended to maintain order, drew sharp criticism. Opposition figures allege these officers acted as state-backed enforcers rather than neutral peacekeepers. Independent monitors described the polling environment as tense and unpredictable, with many voters staying home out of fear.
Authorities denied collusion with political groups, insisting officers acted lawfully. The Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, warned against ferrying goons to polling stations and promised action against any officer found colluding with political actors. The IEBC dismissed claims of ballot tampering and pledged to investigate incidents of violence.
Despite official reassurances, the by-elections highlighted a troubling mix of political militias and security forces in civilian clothes operating in contested areas. Analysts warn that such tactics could undermine public confidence in future elections, turning polling stations into arenas of fear rather than democratic participation.
Gachagua described the events as a “dress rehearsal” for 2027, calling on civil society and religious leaders to intervene before Kenya risks a repeat of past electoral violence. For many residents, the by-elections left lingering anxiety, raising questions about whether future votes can be free, fair, and secure.
