"Wametuibia ya Kutosha" The Moment Youth Blocked Voters at Polling Station Gate in Ongoing By-election

There was a standoff in Evurore Ward, Mbeere North, after a group of youths reportedly blocked voters who had arrived at a polling station located at a police station.

According to videos seen, about a dozen youths stationed themselves at the gate and expressed suspicion over voters arriving in vehicles.

The youths allegedly instructed the voters to either leave their vehicles at the gate or vacate the area altogether before accessing the polling centre.

In one of the videos, a youth is heard saying, “Wametuibia ya kutosha,” loosely translating to “They have stolen our votes enough,” as tensions escalated at the entrance.

Several vehicles were reportedly turned back and directed to park outside the gate before voters could proceed to the polling station. At the time of the incident, there was no visible police presence outside the gate to manage the situation.

The by-election in Evurore Ward has attracted political attention, with the government reportedly backing Duncan Muratia Nyaga, while the opposition has fronted Albert Kigoro under the party associated with Justin Muturi. Other candidates from various parties are also contesting in the race.

The by-election was necessitated after former MCA Duncan Mbui resigned to vie in the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election. However, his bid was unsuccessful after the seat was won by Leo wa Muthende.