Millicent Omanga raises alarm over security breakdown during by-elections
By Faith Lagat, November 27, 2025Former nominated Senator Millicent Omanga has sounded a stark warning over what she describes as a total collapse of security during Thursday’s by-elections across 22 electoral areas in Kenya.
In a strongly worded post on X on November 27, 2025, the former senator expressed deep concern over the unchecked violence that marred the polls.
“The security collapse being experienced across the country and specifically where by-elections are happening today should worry all of us,” Omanga wrote.
“How can goons run roughshod, attacking Kenyans, aspirants, and leaders while the police look helpless? This is unprecedented.”
Chaos erupts across constituencies
Reports from multiple areas, including Kasipul, Malava, Mbeere North, and Nyansiongo wards, detailed attacks, intimidation, and clashes. In Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was injured during confrontations at Agoro Sare Primary School.
The area had already experienced deadly violence earlier in November, leaving two dead and prompting Ksh1 million fines by the IEBC on candidates who violated electoral codes.
In Malava, DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako was arrested over alleged assassination threats, while a Jubilee-aligned vehicle was torched in Butali Ward, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya’s convoy came under attack.
Tensions and confrontations
In Mbeere North, former Attorney General Justin Muturi confronted a UDA agent for wearing party colours inside a polling station, resulting in a heated altercation.
UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende defended his documentation, asserting, “Wamuthende ni brand name… niko na Gazette notice ya kubadilisha.”
In Machakos County’s Mumbuni North Ward, residents executed a citizen’s arrest on Wiper candidate Paul Museku over alleged voter bribery. Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, who documented the incident on X, was chased away by irate voters while accompanying Maendeleo Chap Chap candidate Harrison Wambua Mutuku.
Gunshots were reported in Nyansiongo and Kabuchai, while Jubilee candidate Josua Kaputa condemned open cash handouts to voters in Narok Town Ward.
National concern
Former Chief Justice David Maraga condemned the violence, citing government failures in upholding constitutional duties. Jubilee’s Jeremiah Kioni warned that the events could serve as a “blueprint for 2027 unrest.”
Governors like James Orengo, senators including Edwin Sifuna, and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) called for calm and accountability.
The IEBC reiterated a zero-tolerance policy toward electoral offences.