Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana has reignited a national conversation about the state of Kenya’s democracy after a chaotic Thursday of by-elections across 22 electoral areas.

Her call for accountability came as violence, intimidation, and disorder disrupted what should have been a routine civic exercise. The senator’s message, that violence should never feature in a democratic process, echoed across a country once again confronting the fragility of its electoral culture.

“Violence should not be an option in a democratic process. It undermines the integrity of our electoral systems and is deeply concerning,” read Kibwana’s X post dated November 27, 2025.

“Those responsible should be held accountable through due process.”

Election day turned volatile in constituencies stretching from Kasipul to Mbeere North, where clashes, injuries, and intimidation shaped the day. In Kasipul, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was injured in a scuffle at Agoro Sare Primary School.

The constituency had already been rocked by earlier November violence that left two dead, prompting the IEBC to fine candidates Ksh1 million each for breaching the code of conduct.

ODM’s Boyd Were dismissed bribery claims as theatrics, while the commission warned of disqualifications for further violations.

Mbeere North and the rules tested

In Siakago, former Attorney General Justin Muturi confronted what he termed a blatant disregard for polling rules when he ejected a UDA agent dressed in party colours.

“Election Day is not a campaign stage, and polling stations are not theaters for party branding,” he said, moments before engaging in a heated altercation with a resident. UDA candidate Leonard Wamuthende defended himself against identity document controversies, insisting, “Wamuthende ni brand name… niko na Gazette notice ya kubadilisha,” and affirming, “Niko tayari kukubali matokea leo.”

Citizen arrests, rising anger

In Machakos County’s Mumbuni North Ward, residents executed a dramatic citizen’s arrest on Wiper’s Paul Museku at Mung’ala Polling Station, alleging bribery.

Labour CS Alfred Mutua shared the incident online, writing, “Wananchi have had enough of election malpractices and want free and fair elections.” Mutua himself was chased from Kasinga Primary School by angry locals as he accompanied Maendeleo Chap Chap candidate Harrison Wambua Mutuku.

Western Kenya on edge

Malava saw the arrest of DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako amid claims of an assassination attempt. Attacks on convoys linked to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and the torching of a Jubilee-aligned vehicle in Butali Ward fuelled fears of escalating political intolerance. Jubilee’s Jeremiah Kioni called the events a “blueprint for 2027 unrest.”

In Narok Town Ward, Jubilee’s Josua Kaputa decried cash handouts, while gunshots rang out in Nyansiongo and Kabuchai, scattering agents.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga called the violence unacceptable, accusing the government of eroding institutions.

“President Ruto’s government continues to confirm that he is unable and/or unwilling to carry out his foremost constitutional function,” he wrote.

Governors and senators, from James Orengo to Edwin Sifuna, demanded accountability, with KNCHR urging calm as IEBC pledged zero tolerance.