NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary and Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party leader Moses Kuria has urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to take swift action to prevent violence in the heated campaigns ahead of next week’s by-elections.
Addressing the press on Saturday, November 22, Kuria said he had raised concerns with senior election officials, warning that insecurity in several hotspots — particularly Mbeere North, Narok, and parts of Western Kenya — could undermine the credibility of the polls.
Kuria said IEBC and security agencies must ensure all candidates are protected and allowed to campaign freely, noting that recent political threats signalled rising tension.
“Someone said that Gachagua should not come here, and I told IEBC to catch those people,” he stated. “I ensured they were summoned by the DCI because if Gachagua is touched, I’m also touched. There can be no integrity in the election if one person decides who campaigns.”
Invoking memories of the 2007/08 post-election violence, Kuria said the current situation required urgent, preventative action.
“I was here in 2007. I saw what Kenya went through. My heart has no peace,” he said. “There is widespread insecurity in Narok, Mbeere North, and other areas. I want to ask President William Ruto directly — the international community is watching.”
Kuria also cautioned candidates against election malpractice, saying Kenya’s political tolerance was “at its lowest point” and that any attempt to manipulate results could trigger unrest.
“Some think we can go the Tanzanian way, but Kenyans are not Tanzanians. It will not be business as usual. Let no leader think of stealing votes,” he warned.
His remarks came just a day after Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya narrowly escaped an attack in Chwele, Kabuchai Ward, while campaigning for independent MCA candidate Erick Wekesa.
DAP-K blamed the violence on goons allegedly linked to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and his Ford Kenya party, which backs a rival candidate, Vincent Maunda.
“Governor Natembeya and a host of leaders were today attacked while campaigning,” DAP-K said in a statement on X, urging IEBC and the National Police Service to intervene before tensions escalate further.
The Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, scheduled for November 27, has drawn significant national attention, with senior politicians pitching camp in the constituency.
Kuria is campaigning for CCK candidate Ireri Mbui, while former DP Rigathi Gachagua is backing United Opposition candidate Newton Karish. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is supporting UDA’s Leonard Muthede.
The seat fell vacant after former MP Geoffrey Ruku was appointed to the Cabinet.
With rival camps trading accusations and mobilising large crowds, Kuria said it was essential for the IEBC to guarantee fairness and calm throughout the electoral process.
