Tension gripped Malava Constituency on Friday, November 21, 2021, after a day of dramatic confrontations between police officers and opposition supporters during campaigns ahead of the upcoming by-election.

What began as a routine rally slowly turned into a chaotic scene as security teams attempted to disperse opposition gatherings, sparking pushback from residents who felt targeted and frustrated.

Police officers made repeated attempts to stop the opposition from addressing the crowd. Leaders described a situation where officers tried to disrupt the event more than once. The atmosphere became more charged each time, with supporters insisting that they had a right to listen to their candidates.

The opposition team had organised the meeting to drum up support for their candidate, Seth Panyakoo. Despite being scattered twice, supporters regrouped and insisted on having their rally. Leaders told the crowd that they believed there were deliberate efforts to frustrate the campaigns.

Plans to interfere with the polls

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka stated that there are plans to interfere with free and fair elections.

“Najua wako na mpango, wiki ijayo nyinyi msipige kura, iwe mahali hii yote ni teargas, kina mama wote wakimbie wasipige kura waseme hakuna amani,” Kalonzo Musyoka said

He told residents that attempts to break their rally would not stop them from turning out to vote. The message was echoed by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who encouraged the community to stand firm.

“Siku hio tuamke asubuhi na mapema tumpigie kura mheshimiwa Seth Panyakoo, na tuonyeshe nji yetu na ulimwengu kwamba wakenya tumeamua tutaungana,” Fred Matiangi Stated

Kenya Kwanza campaign

As the opposition spoke to their supporters, the government side continued with its own campaign meetings, backing their preferred candidate, David Ndakwa. Leaders allied to Kenya Kwanza accused the opposition of provoking tension and misleading the public about the role of security teams.

Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe strongly criticised the opposition’s push, urging Malava residents to consider development.

“Kakamega Mzima yote, nyinyi watu wa Malava mtatoa mbunge wa opposition aende akose kuleta maendeleo katika Malava? Mnakubali kuenda oppositiom?” Emmanuel Wangwe said

With both sides intensifying their campaigns, residents say the contest has now become more charged than ever. Many are hoping that the remaining days before the vote will be peaceful, even as political temperatures continue to rise.