Road blocked at Metamaywa on the Kisii-Sotik-Kericho highway on November 27, 2025/ GEOFFREY MOSOKUChaos has marred the Nyansiongo Ward by-election in Nyamira County, with the main Kisii–Kericho highway barricaded at Metamaywa Centre.
Tensions escalated after National Assembly Majority Leader Sylvanus Osoro reportedly attempted to access several polling stations while in the company of a group of youths.
His presence drew resistance from locals, who blocked entry to Menyenya and Gesebei polling stations early Thursday morning.
Police fired several rounds in the air as they attempted to clear the road, which had been blocked with rocks by protesting residents. A vehicle in the MP’s entourage was damaged during the confrontation.
Borabu MP Patrick Osero, who had gone to cast his ballot at Riensune polling station, later proceeded to Metamaywa, where he appealed to the youths to reopen the road.
“This was unnecessary. People are shocked by the level of violence witnessed in an otherwise peaceful population,” Osero said.
Road blocked at Metamaywa on the Kisii-Sotik-Kericho highway on November 27, 2025/ GEOFFREY MOSOKU
Alleged supporters of UPA candidate Kevin Maranga blocked the road, claiming they were acting to prevent perceived interference in the voting process. Their claims have not been substantiated.
Osoro, who has been leading UDA campaigns for Dennis Kebaso, has not publicly commented on the incident or on his attempts to access the polling stations.
“He wants to suppress voters, but we will not allow outsiders to come and cause chaos here,” said Evans Mogire, a resident of Kijauri. His remarks reflect the views of a section of the local community.
Road blocked at Metamaywa on the Kisii-Sotik-Kericho highway on November 27, 2025/ GEOFFREY MOSOKUAccording to another resident, Kepha Abong’o, tensions rose shortly after Osoro arrived near Menyenya polling station, prompting his security detail to fire in the air to disperse a crowd.
“The road is blocked at Metamaywa to stop him from accessing Tindereti polling station, which is considered a stronghold of UPA’s Maranga,” Abong’o said.
Two rival groups later gathered at the Metamaywa–Tindereti junction as police monitored the situation.
Road blocked at Metamaywa on the Kisii-Sotik-Kericho highway on November 27, 2025/ GEOFFREY MOSOKU
Road blocked at Metamaywa on the Kisii-Sotik-Kericho highway on November 27, 2025/ GEOFFREY MOSOKU
“Residents of Nyansiongo Ward are very peaceful, and we are surprised by reports suggesting that a member of parliament from a neighbouring county may be linked to activities that could disrupt the voting process. The concern is that such actions could discourage voters and lower turnout,” Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni said.
He added, “I cannot understand how, in a civilised democracy like Kenya, the police can allow any leader to move around with groups of people allegedly armed with offensive weapons and causing disruptions without immediate action. Appropriate steps should have been taken by yesterday.”
The senator further warned that tensions could escalate during the counting of votes unless the IEBC and the police respond swiftly.
UDA’s Dennis Kebaso, UPA’s Kevin Maranga, and PDP’s Jackson Mogusu are competing for the seat, which has drawn national attention as the area is associated with presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i. Both Maranga and Mogusu are politically aligned with him.
Earlier, several individuals were arrested at the Menyenya polling station over allegations of attempting to bribe voters. Police said they were taken to Matutu and Keroka police stations for further processing. The allegations are under investigation.
Due to heightened security concerns, UDA candidate Kebaso is being escorted across the ward by armed police officers.
