The People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Omingo Magara, on Thursday toured Nyansiongo Ward, Borabu Constituency, in Nyamira County to witness the voting process in the ongoing by-election exercise marred by violence in sections of the county.
Omingo, speaking to journalists, said the chaos witnessed in the area was instigated by actors linked to the ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
"We have had chaos all over since morning. We've been having peace, but now it's changing. The enemies have started voter bribery, intimidation, and harassment. In Tindereti Borabu Constituency, they've caused mayhem and fear," he said.
The PDP leader added, "You cannot stop an idea whose time has come. People are being forced, and we will not be cowed into surrendering our ideas. We are ready to die, people are hurt, and thugs and goons are shooting people in broad daylight. It will never be business as usual; the last drop of liberation is yet to be shed."
A voter by the name of Beatrice, a sister to one of the aspirants in the by-election in Nyamaiya Ward, West Mugirango, explained how the vehicles were pelted with stones in Nyamaiya.
"We arrived here on time, and we started voting as per the guidelines, but we've seen some strange actions: a vehicle has been pelted with stones and pangas, the vehicle of the widow of the aspirant. This is so hurtful," Beatrice said.
However, Beatrice said that the process was smooth inside the polling station.
Christopher Osiemo, the MCA aspirant for Nyamaiya Ward in West Mugirango, who voted in Marara Polling Station, said that the turnout was overwhelming and encouraging.
On the same note, he has also accused a local legislator of voter intimidation by ferrying goons.
"Goons are ferried, but I call for calmness and focus; there is no need to cause chaos and shed blood. We shall at all times maintain peace and no room for fights." Osiemo maintains.
He added, "My chief agents are on their way from Nyamira. They met goons who were in the compound of my able competitor, Nyandieka; they started pelting stones and vandalising vehicles in accusations that their teams attacked in a different location."
"These acts are supposed to be reported, and there is no reason for us to reiterate with opponents. We call on the IEBC to firmly maintain its mandate. Free, fair, and credible elections are our rule. People have decided with one voice."
Among the alleged attacked chief agent, Buoba Crispus recalled the attacks.
Recounting the ordeal, Buoba said, "On our way from Nyamira town, we met with our opponent, Nyandieka, and were stopped only to be attacked with stones. I was attacked as well, and the widow, the wife of the late Hon. Elijah Osiemo, has been rushed to the hospital for a checkup."
"We call for fair and credible by-elections. We call for unity, and we must control and send off the voter bribery and intimidation in our ward." Buoba urged.
Another MCA aspirant, Tandaza Justus, speaking to a Kisii TV journalist, announced that he had withdrawn from the race while at the polling station in Omokonge.
"Whoever is to be chosen, let him serve the people of Nyamaiya, and we must maintain our values and a peaceful by-election."
Ben Momanyi, former MP for Borabu Constituency in Nyamira, has also called for fishing out of outsiders alleged to cause chaos in the polling stations.
