Fresh tension rocked Malava in Kakamega County on Thursday morning after a four-wheel-drive vehicle belonging to a candidate’s convoy was set ablaze in the Manyonje area. The Toyota Prado was reportedly torched by a group of suspected hired attackers, in what local leaders believe was an attempt to intimidate voters in a region considered politically sensitive.
Police confirmed the incident and said investigations had been launched.
The arson attack came just hours after violence had been reported at a local hotel where DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako was holding a meeting with his campaign team. At least two people were injured during the confrontation, including Panyako’s personal driver. The candidate claimed the assault was directed at him, adding that his supporters later apprehended one of the alleged attackers and beat him up.
In a separate episode of election-day tension, agents in Kabuchai, Bungoma County, reported being harassed and assaulted by groups of goons as they made their way to polling stations. Several suffered injuries.
While police insisted that voting had begun smoothly in most of the affected areas, some candidates in the ongoing mini polls accused security teams of partiality and failing to safeguard their supporters.
The tensions unfolded despite the deployment of hundreds of police officers across regions where by-elections are being held. The countrywide polls are taking place in 134 polling stations, triggered by deaths of officeholders or nullified election results.
The by-elections spanning both parliamentary and ward seats have drawn keen national attention, with political parties treating them as an early test of voter mood ahead of the 2027 General Election.
