Deadly Clashes Rock Bungoma, Machakos Ahead of Crucial By-Elections

Violence has intensified across several counties in the final stretch of ward and parliamentary by-election campaigns, leaving one person dead and multiple homes and vehicles damaged in Bungoma, Kakamega, and Machakos

Authorities say a 70-year-old man succumbed to injuries sustained during a stampede triggered by fierce confrontations in the Chwele–Kabuchai Ward

The chaos broke out shortly after disruptions at Governor George Natembeya’s rally, which opposition leaders have condemned as “orchestrated attacks”

Bungoma County Police Commander Anderson Njagi confirmed the death, adding that several vehicles damaged during the clashes have been impounded as investigations continue

Gunfire was also reported as rival political groups clashed, prompting fear among residents

Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga, whose home was vandalized in the unrest, accused political opponents of engineering the attack

He estimated losses of about Ksh3 million and urged the IEBC to intervene swiftly, vowing not to bow to intimidation

Opposition leaders, including Governor Natembeya and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, criticized what they termed the use of force to undermine their campaigns

Natembeya told supporters that the violence would only galvanize the community, while Amisi warned the government against suppressing dissent

 Also read : Opposition Leaders Mount Fierce Offensive in Kisii, Warn Against Poll Interference

In Machakos County, tensions remain high after John Wambua Musau was assaulted during a campaign event. He is currently hospitalized at Machakos Level 5 Hospital

Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse called for calm, urging authorities to ensure peaceful campaigns

These incidents come just days after the IEBC fined Kasipul parliamentary candidates Ksh1 million each for violating the electoral code of conduct

Despite repeated warnings of possible disqualification, confrontations continue to erupt across political lines as polling day approaches