Chaos Erupts at Ol Kalou By-Election Polling Station

Chaos broke out at the Ol Kalou Comprehensive School polling station during the ongoing parliamentary by-election, as armed, hooded men reportedly stormed the area, assaulted journalists, and confiscated their cameras.

Witnesses described the scene as one of panic, prompting police to fire tear gas to disperse crowds that had gathered at the polling station. This incident raised serious concerns about the safety of voters and the integrity of the electoral process.

The by-election, held on July 16, 2026, was necessitated by the death of former MP David Kiaraho. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had deployed over 1,000 police officers across the constituency to ensure a peaceful voting process, with strict measures in place to prevent disruptions and maintain order, according to Radio 47.

Amidst the turmoil, Cleophas Malala, Deputy Party Leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), alleged that the heavy police presence was intended to intimidate voters and suppress turnout. Malala's claims reflect ongoing tensions in Kenyan politics, particularly regarding the role of security forces during elections. DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua also criticized the police's actions, suggesting that the deployment of over 2,000 officers was part of a strategy to disrupt the by-election, as reported by Citizen.

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