Peaceful voting underway in Malava after night of chaos

A smushed vehicle at Hillview hotel, Kaburengu where supporters of DAP-K’s Seth Panyako and and UDA’s David Ndakwa clashed on Wednesday night/IMAGE/HILTON OTENYO

Several people sustained injuries after alleged supporters of the DAP-K and UDA clashed at a hotel in Lugari Constituency on Wednesday night.

Property was reportedly destroyed during the confrontation at Kaburengu Junction, and several vehicles were damaged in the fracas.

Witnesses claimed that a group stormed the hotel, which is owned by a politician, at around midnight and allegedly attempted to abduct him while he was meeting his team. The alleged attempt was thwarted.

“In the process of escaping, one of the group members was caught and beaten up as his accomplices fled,” said an eyewitness.

“They returned two hours later after reorganising themselves and overran the hotel, attacking people and smashing vehicles,” he added.

One of the politician's drivers was reportedly injured during the incident and is admitted at Webuye Sub-County Hospital in Bungoma County.

However, voting started smoothly in most polling stations across the constituency on Thursday morning. Turnout was initially low but was expected to improve as the day progressed.

DAP-K MP candidate Seth Panyako cast his vote at 6:00 am at St Joseph’s Lunyu Primary School in Manda Shivanga.

He was accompanied by DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa. Panyako alleged that the government was attempting to influence the election outcome through violence and ballot manipulation.

They further accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of failing to curb violence.

“These people are determined to use all means to steal this election, but the people of Kabras will not accept this,” Panyako claimed.

However, Constituency Returning Officer Salim Abdala earlier dismissed claims of widespread violence, saying there had been no official complaint filed with the commission.

He said the IEBC cannot act on unverified reports circulating in public.

Abdala confirmed that election materials had been delivered to all the 198 polling stations across the constituency. Malava has 94,417 registered voters.

Security was tight throughout the constituency, with police officers patrolling villages to maintain order and ensure voters exercised their democratic rights.