NYAMIRA, Kenya – Tension gripped the Nyansiongo Ward by-election in Nyamira County on Thursday after running battles, road barricades, and gunfire disrupted voting at several polling stations.
The main Kisii–Kericho highway was blocked at Metamaywa Centre at dawn, with residents using rocks and tree branches to prevent movement. Police fired multiple shots in the air while attempting to reopen the road.
The unrest began after National Assembly Majority Leader Sylvanus Osoro allegedly attempted to access several polling stations accompanied by a group of youths.
His arrival triggered swift resistance from locals, who blocked entry to Menyenya and Gesebei polling stations, accusing him of attempting to interfere with the process. The claims remain unverified.
A vehicle in Osoro’s convoy was damaged during the confrontation.
Borabu MP Patrick Osero, who had earlier cast his vote at Riensune, visited Metamaywa and appealed for calm.
“This was unnecessary. People are shocked by the level of violence witnessed in an otherwise peaceful population,” he said.
Some residents claimed supporters of UPA candidate Kevin Maranga were behind the blockade, insisting they were acting to “protect the vote.” Police have not confirmed these assertions.
By mid-morning, two rival groups had gathered at the Metamaywa–Tindereti junction as police intensified surveillance.
The contest—pitting UDA’s Dennis Kebaso, UPA’s Kevin Maranga, and PDP’s Jackson Mogusu—has drawn national interest due to the ward’s association with former Interior CS and presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i. Both Maranga and Mogusu are aligned with him politically.
Meanwhile, several individuals were arrested at the Menyenya polling station over allegations of attempted voter bribery.
They were taken to Matutu and Keroka police stations for processing as investigations continued.
Precautionary security measures were heightened across the ward, with UDA candidate Kebaso moving under escort by armed police officers.
