MALAVA, Kenya – Kakamega County Commissioner Onesmas Kyatha has dismissed reports that Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya was arrested in connection with the ongoing Malava by-election.
Speaking to journalists, Kyatha said there had been no reports of Natembeya’s arrest at any police station. “The alleged arrest is outside the realm of the ongoing Malava by-election,” he clarified.
The commissioner also addressed claims of an assassination attempt on DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako.
He noted that the alleged attack at Hillview Hotel, outside the immediate election area, is under investigation by officers from Matete police station.
Kyatha further denied allegations that police officers were shielding individuals harassing voters.
He added that there were no verified reports of a vehicle being burned and that authorities were unaware of the owner.
The incidents follow a dramatic moment earlier in the day when Panyako broke into tears while casting his vote at St Joseph’s Lunyu Primary School.
The candidate accused hired goons of raiding his hotel in Kaburengu Junction, Lugari constituency, claiming the attackers targeted him and that the whereabouts of his grandson, who was at the hotel during the raid, remain unknown.
Panyako also alleged that reports of voter bribery and other election irregularities submitted to both the police and the IEBC had not been acted upon.
Kyatha emphasized that the government would address all cases of insecurity, regardless of the status of those involved.
