Former Roots Party deputy presidential candidate Justina Wamae has faulted poverty for the rise in election violence and intimidation in Kenya.

Taking to her X account on Friday, November 28, 2025, she stated that many voters, struggling with desperate circumstances, no longer feel they have anything to lose, and this vulnerability fuels the increase in election-related violence across the country.

Wamae said that focusing solely on institutions such as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) or the police misses the deeper problem.

She added that ordinary Kenyans want their efforts to be rewarded fairly and are not motivated by handouts.

She highlighted that these challenges are not limited to any single election, noting that intimidation, coercion, and vote-buying have become recurring problems in both local and national polls.

“You may blame IEBC and the police all you want. You may go to court if you deem it necessary, but the big question remains: why is there an increase in goonism in our elections? Poverty and hopelessness, which have rendered voters desperate, they no longer have anything to live for or to lose,” she said.

Adding;

“The shenanigans in wantam and tutam are not answering the real issues affecting Kenyans. Kenyans do not want handouts; circumstances force them. All Kenyans want is for their genuine effort to be rewarded.”

Chaotic scenes

The warning comes against the backdrop of violence, intimidation, and chaos during the by-elections held nationwide on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in 22 electoral units, including Malava Constituency in Kakamega County and Mbeere North Constituency in Embu County.

In Malava, early on election day, a Toyota Prado belonging to Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K), was set on fire by unknown assailants in Manyonje village, Butali Ward.

Witnesses reported that shots were fired, supporters were assaulted, and belongings were looted, causing panic among residents.

Earlier that morning, clashes at a hotel where DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako and his team were meeting left at least two people injured.

In Mbeere North, polling agents were attacked while en route to the polling stations. Some groups loitered near polling centres, raising fears about voter safety.

Votes were cast across the 22 constituencies.

The head of the IEBC, Erastus Ethekon, condemned the acts of violence and disruption, calling them unacceptable. The commission dismissed claims of ballot-stuffing, saying every ballot paper has security features and voting was overseen by agents, observers, and the media.

The commission also vowed to work with security agencies to identify and hold perpetrators accountable.

ODM’s Edwin Sifuna said November 27 was one of the bloodiest election days in recent history and called on security agencies and the government to take responsibility.