Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi has criticised the conduct of the just-concluded Malava and Mbeere North by-elections, saying the events that unfolded were a clear indication that the polls were neither free nor fair.

Havi was speaking during a political talk show aired by a local TV station on Monday, December 1, 2025, where he gave a detailed account of what he said were blatant irregularities, voter manipulation and misuse of state power during the mini-polls.

Speaking on the show, Havi said the scenes he witnessed and the reports he received from the two constituencies painted a troubling picture of electoral malpractice and the erosion of democratic values. The lawyer described what happened in Mbeere as both humiliating and unacceptable.

“There is no doubt whatsoever that there were no free and fair elections in Mbeere and Malava. At least those in Mbeere were given money. I felt so sad seeing the Luhya elderly being given 2 slices of bread and a bottle of soda and singing Ndakwa’s name,” he said.

He further condemned the violence reported in Malava, saying the scale of brutality witnessed could not be justified under any circumstances.

“People were shot dead while more than 50 people were critically injured,” he stated.

Havi went on to call out senior government officials for meddling in the electoral process, claiming their presence on the ground was intended to influence voter decisions.

“Cabinet Secretaries and the Speaker of the National Assembly were there influencing the manner in which voters were to make their choices,” he said.

Although he clarified that he had no issue with ordinary political leaders appearing at the polling centres to support their candidates, he insisted that Cabinet Secretaries had crossed a legal and ethical line.

“I don’t have a problem with the elected leader campaigning. There is no problem with Boni Khalwale and George Natembeya being there, but there is a big problem with CS Wycliffe Oparanya and CS Musalia Mudavadi being there because they are not allowed to do that, which amounts to undue influence,” he said.

Havi also called out a woman representative who was filmed distributing mattresses during the campaign period, describing the act as a clear breach of election laws.

“You also saw a Woman Rep distributing mattresses amid a campaign, which is not allowed,” he added.

The former LSK boss said the incidents witnessed in Malava and Mbeere North should serve as a wake-up call for the country, warning that unless firm action is taken, electoral integrity will continue to deteriorate.