Kibra MP Peter Orero has urged Kenyans to participate peacefully in Thursday’s by-elections, warning against violence and overly heavy security presence at polling stations.
Speaking during a television interview, Orero called on voters to embrace the democratic process while urging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to take decisive action to maintain public confidence in the elections.
Orero condemned attacks on candidates and stressed that the elections should be conducted in a calm and orderly manner.
“We do not need to be a military state, we need as Kenyans to embrace the democratic space that we have created within this country,” he said. He also cautioned that excessive police presence could intimidate voters. “One of the things that will scare the voters is the presence of the police, some of the people will not vote,” he added.
Highlighting the broader context, Orero said the IEBC has faced challenges over the past three years due to incomplete leadership appointments.
“For a long time, with the last three years, the IEBC was not constituted, that brought a lot of uncertainty in terms of conducting electoral processes,” he noted. He explained that the commission relies heavily on the executive and police, which limits its ability to independently ensure credible elections.
Thursday’s by-elections are taking place amid multiple parliamentary vacancies across the country.
These include Kasipul in Homa Bay County, following the death of Ong’ondo Were; Ugunja in Siaya County, after Opiyo Wandayi was appointed to the Energy Ministry; and Mbeere North in Embu County, after Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku joined the Cabinet. Other constituencies holding by-elections include Banisa in Wajir County, after the death of Kulow Maalim Hassan; Magarini in Kilifi County, following the nullification of its seat; and Malava in Kakamega County, after the passing of its MP.
Orero described the by-elections as a litmus test for Kenya’s democratic institutions, noting that they are a friendly match before the “real match begins.”
He emphasised the importance of restoring voter confidence and demonstrating the IEBC’s ability to conduct peaceful elections. “We need to use this electioneering process to show Kenyans that they can conduct peaceful elections, and also to build confidence in Kenyans that they have the muscle to carry out these elections,” he said.
He also called on the IEBC to act against candidates violating the law. “We must condemn this with the strongest term possible, and IEBC must take action. If there are candidates who are involved, then they must be disqualified. There are no other ways that we need to do this,” Orero said.
Focusing on Kasipul, he noted its historical alignment as an ODM stronghold and highlighted tensions caused by independent candidates emerging after party nominations. Orero stressed that the outcome of these local contests carries national significance, as it will shape public trust in Kenya’s democratic processes.
