Violence witnessed in parts of the country during Thursday’s by-elections has triggered fresh questions about the state’s ability to secure electoral processes, with Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna accusing security agencies of failing to prevent disruptions.
His remarks followed reports of chaos in Kabuchai, Malava and Kasipul, areas that had previously been flagged as potential hotspots by election observers and local administrators.
Sifuna issued a public statement on X, describing the day’s events as among the most troubling in recent memory.
He claimed the violence pointed either to “incompetence in the security command” or possible complicity, urging interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and his team to take responsibility.
His comments came amid heightened political scrutiny of how the government handles security during tightly contested mini-polls.
The by-elections, held to fill vacant parliamentary and county assembly seats, drew intense interest from major political formations including Kenya Kwanza, Azimio and various regional parties.
Such contests often serve as early indicators of voter sentiment ahead of larger electoral cycles and tend to attract heavy mobilisation from both sides.
Historically, by-elections in Western, Nyanza and parts of Rift Valley have seen increased tensions as parties test their grassroots strength.
Incidents reported on Thursday revived concerns about recurring patterns of election-related violence.
In Malava, security officials confirmed that a vehicle linked to a candidate’s team was torched in Manyonje, with additional clashes leaving several people injured.
In Kasipul, tensions had already escalated earlier in the week, prompting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and local leaders to call for calm.
Government officials had earlier maintained that adequate security measures were in place.
Ahead of the vote, CS Murkomen cautioned political actors against hiring groups to disrupt polling stations and insisted that the National Police Service would act firmly against any offenders.
Authorities stated that officers had been deployed to all voting and tallying centres to ensure an orderly process.
Sifuna’s remarks intensified pressure on the government to investigate the causes of the disruptions.
He argued that the pattern of violence could not be dismissed as isolated or spontaneous, emphasising the need for accountability from those overseeing national security operations.
The senator further urged the state to prioritise the protection of voters, polling officials and party agents.