Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has raised concerns over reports of bribery, intimidation, and violence during the Thursday, November 27, by-elections.
In a statement on Friday, November 28, Matiang’i said the incidents cast a shadow over Kenya’s democratic progress and must be addressed urgently.
However, he praised Kenyans who turned out to vote in in different parts of the country where the by-elections were held.
"I applaud Kenyans who turned out in large numbers across the country to exercise their democratic right to vote. However, I am deeply concerned by the widespread reports of bribery, intimidation and violence in various parts of the country," he said.
Matiang’i urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and other investigative bodies to intervene, stressing that accountability must be upheld.
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"Such malpractices undermine the integrity of our elections and erode trust in the process and our institutions. I urge the IEBC and the relevant investigative agencies to play their part and bring the perpetrators to book. Political violence must not be part of our political practice," he added.
At the same time, Matiang'i commended all candidates who participated in the by-elections and singled out several winners from the United Opposition coalition.
"I commend all the candidates who offered themselves for the various elective positions in the just concluded by-elections. I particularly extend my congratulations to the United Opposition candidates who won various MCA seats, including Douglas Masikonde (Narok Town Ward, DCP), Anthony Kyalo (Mumbuni North Ward, Wiper Patriotic Front), David Wanyoike (Kariobangi North Ward, DCP), Aduda Okwiri (Kisa East Ward, DCP), Jeremiah Ongaro (Ekerenyo Ward, UPA), Chris Osiemo (Nyamaiya Ward, UPA), and Jackson Mogusu (Nyansiongo Ward, PDP). Their win reflects the deep confidence that the people of Kenya have in leaders who believe in public service and change," he further said.
Elsewhere, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has resurfaced with a sharp criticism of the November 27 Malava by-election, accusing the government of using money to influence the voters’ will.
Speaking on Friday, Natembeya argued that the electoral process was interfered with by the government, warning that such tactics undermine Kenya’s democratic integrity.
"Money flowed freely in an attempt to substitute the people's will with financial coercion. These practices do not reflect a qualified government, they reflect a system afraid of the genuine democratic choice of the citizens of Malava," he said.
Natembeya went on to commend residents of Malava for standing firm despite what he described as an orchestrated attempt to intimidate them.
"Despite the hostile environment, the people showed courage; they came out, stood firm, and their hope was greater than the machinery employed against them. That spirit is a tribute to Malava," he added.
Natembeya then questioned why such heavy-handed tactics were deployed in a single by-election, saying this raises fears about how future elections might be handled.
"We raise a fundamental question of concern; if the government must deploy such overwhelming force and financial inducements to influence a single by-election in Western, what does that mean for the credibility of future national elections?" he posed.
Natembeya affirmed that leaders aligned with him will continue defending democratic rights and pursuing lawful avenues to prevent similar incidents in the future.
"As leaders, we remain committed to defending the democratic rights of Kenya. We will pursue every lawful and constitutional avenue to ensure that what happened in Malava does not become a blueprint for future elections. Kenya's democracy belongs to its people, and no amount of pressure or state power will change that," he concluded.
