ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has issued a scathing statement condemning what he described as “one of the bloodiest election days in recent history,” accusing the government of failing to guarantee the safety of voters, candidates, and election officials during Thursday’s by-elections.
In his statement, Sifuna pointed to widespread violence reported across several hotspots, including Kabuchai, Malava, and Kasipul, claiming the country was witnessing a coordinated breakdown of security on a critical democratic exercise.
“Today has to be one of the bloodiest election days in recent history,” Sifuna said. “All the violence being witnessed across the country—from Kabuchai to Malava to Kasipul—points either to incompetence in the security command or their outright involvement in planning and executing it.”
The ODM leader placed direct blame on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and top security officials, arguing they had failed in their core mandate to protect citizens during the polls.
“CS Murkomen and his team must take responsibility for failing to secure the safety of all involved,” Sifuna stated.
Reports from various polling areas indicated clashes between rival groups, disruptions at polling stations, and cases of voter intimidation. Opposition leaders alleged that the violence was deliberate and meant to suppress voter turnout in certain regions.
