Arrest goons disrupting campaigns, Barasa tells police

Security operators in Malava have been called upon to swing into action and track down and arrest hired goons attacking and threatening leaders and supporters of UDA candidate David Ndakwa.

Kakamega County Governor Fernandez Barasa, while hosting a public engagement forum in Malava, advised the Kabras police and its multi-agency operatives to launch a crackdown on the thugs who have started terrorising MCAs, other leaders, and supporters of Ndakwa in the Malava by-election campaigns.

Barasa said the recent incidents, where vehicles have been stoned and some campaigners attacked during rallies, were a red flag indicating a plan to disrupt the by-election by the opposition team.

“The leaders and supporters affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) side have been under attack from oppressors believed to be hired by some opposition leaders to disrupt our campaigns, attack, and even maim our supporters after sensing defeat,” he said.

He said with a few days remaining (seven days), there was need for the security agencies to be on very high alert to ensure and guarantee that the November 27th by-election is held in a free and fair environment.

The governor further called on all parties set to participate in the coming by-election to refrain from any form of violence and intimidation.

He said it was not a must for some leaders to bleed in order to lead, emphasising the need for a peaceful election and a smooth transition after the vote. He assured the UDA candidate that the Kakamega County leadership was behind him.

“Today we mark the Malava Declaration, where over 2,200 Community Women Empowerment Programme (CWEP), Community Area Council (CAC), and Kazi Mashinani members have unanimously agreed and vowed to support David Ndakwa to clinch the Malava seat,” he said.

His deputy, Ayub Savula, supported the governor’s sentiments, echoing that a secure and calm environment was crucial for a free and fair electoral process. Savula also hinted that the opposition had sensed defeat and resorted to violence as a way of scuttling the by-election.

Presidential aide Farouk Kibet tore into the opposition, telling them Malava was not ready or willing to become an opposition constituency. He said those campaigning for the opposition, including Senator Khalwale, were in government enjoying the benefits yet wanted Malava to lose out on national cake distribution by joining the opposition bandwagon.

He challenged the DCP leader, Rigathi Gachagua, who will be leading the opposition campaigns in Malava this Friday, to bring development to the people and not empty political rhetoric.

“UDA in Malava has initiated various projects as it seeks to win the seat left vacant by the passing of Malulu Injendi, and instead of also bringing development to the people, you are only coming to insult the government and demand the removal of President William Ruto from power in 2027. It will not work this time round,” he cautioned.

Kibet urged Malava voters to remain steady in government and vote for Ndakwa as their next MP.