Former Chief Justice David Maraga has sharply criticised the government after violence broke out in several by-elections on Thursday, accusing the State of failing to protect voters during what he described as a “deeply troubling” day for the country.
Maraga, who is positioning himself for a presidential run, said the disturbances point to a worrying pattern under President William Ruto’s administration.
“The electoral violence witnessed today, and indeed in the past few weeks, is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” he wrote on X.
He claimed that interference by the presidency in security agencies and other independent institutions has weakened their ability to maintain order.
“President Ruto’s government continues to confirm that he is unable or unwilling to carry out his foremost constitutional function, protecting citizens,” he said, adding that such failure “marks a leader who has lost legitimacy to govern.”
Across the country, voting was overshadowed by pockets of unrest, confrontations, and tension—an atmosphere that underscored the fragility surrounding the by-elections.
Kasipul Constituency
In Kasipul, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was injured during confrontations at several polling stations. The ODM chief agent suffered a soft-tissue head injury, which he blamed on supporters of independent candidate Philip Aroko.
“I was carrying out my duties as a party agent when I was assaulted. Aroko is losing, and that is why his people are attacking me,” Kaluma said after receiving treatment. He urged ODM supporters to remain calm and avoid retaliation.
Amid the chaos, a firearm belonging to Kaluma’s bodyguard went missing.
The Kasipul race was already tense. The seat was left vacant after the fatal shooting of former MP Ongondo Were, and two people were killed earlier in the campaign period.
ODM candidate Boyd Were condemned the attack, urging police to restore order. Security has since been tightened, with officers mounting roadblocks, frisking voters, and patrolling known trouble spots.
Malava Constituency
Tension also simmered in Malava, Kakamega County. DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa accused UDA candidate David Ndakwa of involvement in an attack on DAP-K aspirant Seth Panyako. He further alleged attempts to interfere with police operations.
“Any candidate found engaging in violence or attempting to manipulate the electoral process should be immediately disqualified,” Wamalwa said.
Panyako claimed there were politically motivated plots to assassinate him and called on authorities for protection. Police and election officials are investigating the allegations as voting continues under heightened security.
Magarini
In Magarini, Kilifi County, residents of Kanagoni chased away Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga, accusing him of acting as an unauthorised agent at a polling station. Security officers were deployed to restore calm, and electoral officials reminded residents that only accredited agents are allowed inside polling stations.
Narok Town Ward
Confusion also erupted at Masikonde Primary polling station in Narok Town Ward. A DCP candidate was quickly escorted away by security officers, though no injuries were reported.