Siaya Governor James Orengo has issued a strong condemnation of the violence and intimidation that marked Thursday’s by-election, warning that Kenya risks stagnating democratically if it continues to conduct elections under fear and coercion.Orengo said the scenes witnessed throughout the day were a sharp reminder that the country has not yet built the kind of electoral environment befitting a nation aiming for first-world status.
According to him, the persistent unrest and open confrontation around polling stations reveal deeper governance concerns that must be urgently addressed.The governor raised alarm over what he termed the militarization of the electoral process. He noted that the use of heavily armed units, alongside the presence of hired goons, created an atmosphere of intimidation that discouraged free political participation.
Orengo argued that when voters feel threatened even before casting their ballots the entire democratic exercise loses credibility.He further criticized the strategy used in deploying security personnel, saying it did little to prevent chaos and instead appeared to embolden those intent on disrupting the election.
Orengo called for accountability, stressing that Kenya must confront the growing trend of violence linked to electoral competition.Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna supported Orengo’s remarks, describing Thursday as one of the bloodiest election days in recent memory. Sifuna said multiple incidents of confrontation, assault, and intimidation were reported in various locations, raising serious concerns about the state’s readiness to safeguard democratic processes.
According to the senator, the security command failed in its fundamental duty to ensure the safety of voters, candidates, and election officials. Sifuna argued that the lack of effective protection allowed criminal elements to interfere with the by-election, resulting in fear and tension throughout the day.
He emphasized that such conditions cannot be tolerated in a country that claims to uphold the rule of law.Both leaders expressed concern that repeated electoral violence erodes public confidence in elections and widens the gap between citizens and institutions mandated to protect their rights.
They called for a comprehensive review of security protocols used during polls, urging authorities to investigate the lapses that contributed to the unrest.Orengo and Sifuna insisted that Kenya must recommit to holding peaceful, fair, and transparent elections, warning that without decisive reforms, episodes of violence will continue to undermine national stability and democratic progress.
They urged oversight bodies to act quickly, saying the events in Siaya should serve as a wake-up call for those responsible for managing future electoral process.
