The confrontation, which occurred just days before the November 27 by-election, briefly threatened to destabilize preparations for the hotly contested parliamentary race.
According to witnesses, officers arrived at the venue as supporters of opposition candidate Seth Panyako were setting up for the event.
This was reportedly the second time police had attempted to halt the group’s campaigns. Their presence was met with strong resistance, with angry supporters confronting the officers and eventually forcing them to retreat.
Residents who witnessed the standoff accused authorities of applying double standards. John Toboa, an area resident, questioned why a Kenya Kwanza meeting earlier in the week had proceeded without interference.
Residents who witnessed the standoff accused authorities of applying double standards. John Toboa, an area resident, questioned why a Kenya Kwanza meeting earlier in the week had proceeded without interference.
“Kenya Kwanza held their rally even when students were still in school. Nobody disrupted them. But today, police are beating opposition supporters,” he said.
Another resident, Faith Mukangai, demanded clarity on the police’s role in the by-election season. “Did we bring the police to protect the people of Malava, or to chase them away?” she asked.
Opposition leaders condemned the incident, saying it was part of a wider plot to sabotage their campaign activities.
Another resident, Faith Mukangai, demanded clarity on the police’s role in the by-election season. “Did we bring the police to protect the people of Malava, or to chase them away?” she asked.
Opposition leaders condemned the incident, saying it was part of a wider plot to sabotage their campaign activities.
Despite the interference, the rally eventually went on, with senior leaders urging residents to remain vigilant and peaceful.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused government agencies of planning intimidation tactics. “I know they have plans—come Thursday, don’t let tear gas stop you from voting,” he told supporters.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused government agencies of planning intimidation tactics. “I know they have plans—come Thursday, don’t let tear gas stop you from voting,” he told supporters.
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary and Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i called for unity behind Panyako, saying the opposition needed to present a strong front.
Meanwhile, pro-government leaders were also in the constituency drumming up support for UDA candidate David Ndakwa.
Meanwhile, pro-government leaders were also in the constituency drumming up support for UDA candidate David Ndakwa.
They dismissed the opposition’s claims of harassment and instead accused them of provoking chaos.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi assured residents that security would be guaranteed during voting.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi assured residents that security would be guaranteed during voting.
“There will be enough security on election day. No one will mistreat the elderly or mothers at the polling stations,” he said.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged locals to support the Kenya Kwanza candidate, emphasizing unity and continuity.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged locals to support the Kenya Kwanza candidate, emphasizing unity and continuity.
President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet also weighed in, cautioning opposition leaders against importing “goons” into the area.
The Malava by-election has drawn intense political interest, with both camps keen to consolidate influence in the region.
The Malava by-election has drawn intense political interest, with both camps keen to consolidate influence in the region.
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