Sifuna urges Murkomen to take responsibility over by-election violence
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 27, 2025Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has called on CS Murkomen to take responsibility and expressed concern over widespread violence in the by-elections.
Kenya’s by-elections on Thursday, November 27, 2025, were marred by reports of violence and intimidation, prompting opposition leaders to call out the government for failing to secure a safe voting environment.
Speaking on his X account, Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), described the day as one of the bloodiest election days in recent history. He said incidents across Kabuchai, Malava, and Kasipul pointed to either incompetence in security or the direct involvement of state actors.
“Today has to be one of the bloodiest election days in recent history. All the violence being witnessed across the Country from Kabuchai to Malava to Kasipul point either to incompetence in the security command or their outright involvement in planning and executing it. CS Murkomen and his team must take responsibility for failing to secure the safety of all involved.”
In Mbeere North, tension rose early as Chama Cha Kazi party leader Moses Kuria reported attacks on polling agents. Speaking from the field, Kuria said goons targeted agents on their way to polling stations.
“Goons attacking polling agents on their way to polling centres in Mbeere North,” he posted on X. The attacks came amid a wider blame game, with both government and opposition accusing each other of plotting to disrupt the vote.
Reports from Kabuchai’s Chwele Ward painted a similarly grim picture. Polling agents were violently attacked and forcibly ejected from the stations. Despite this intimidation, voters were urged to remain calm and continue participating in the electoral process.
By-elections marred by violence
Malava by-election also saw heightened unrest. A vehicle belonging to Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa was set ablaze in Manyonje, Butali Ward. The incident came as tension flared around the constituency. Wamalwa’s party described the events as coordinated attacks against their candidate, Seth Panyako.
Violence was also reported in Kasipul, where Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was attacked while observing the ODM candidate. Kaluma and his bodyguard sustained injuries, and the guard’s firearm went missing. Despite the attack, Kaluma urged residents to come out and vote, emphasising that the unrest was likely caused by outsiders.
In Malava, DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako broke down in tears while casting his vote, citing threats to his life and attacks on his hotel. Panyako claimed government-linked actors planned to assault him and his wife. DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa confirmed that goons linked to the UDA had attacked the hotel, forcing Panyako to escape on a motorbike while his vehicles were damaged.
In Magarini, ODM candidate Harrison Kombe reported that some of his polling agents were prevented from entering voting stations, disrupting the process. He insisted all agents must be allowed inside the polling room and urged residents to vote despite the challenges.
The Mbeere North by-election also saw Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi eject a UDA-branded polling agent from Siakago Social Hall. Muturi said the agent, a Nyeri MCA named Karuga, violated the law by entering the polling station in campaign attire. He stressed that polling stations are not platforms for party branding and that such conduct would not be tolerated.
Voting began at 6 am across various constituencies, with turnout initially low but increasing as the morning progressed. Security measures, including extra police deployment, were in place to protect voters. Despite the heavy presence, the incidents of violence and intimidation highlighted the fragile state of electoral security in the country.