Malava Constituency’s by-election candidate Seth Panyako on Thursday raised concerns over alleged threats and attempts to influence voters in the lead-up to the poll.
Speaking to the press, Panyako said he had received reports suggesting police planned to raid his hotel, although no officers arrived.
Panyako recounted that at around 8:30 a.m., Stanley Luvondo arrived seeking a meeting.
“He had covered his vehicle number plates with black seal tape, which made my team suspicious,” Panyako said.
He added that Luvondo and his group have reportedly been moving around the area distributing bribes, a matter Panyako claims he reported to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) multiple times without response.
The DAP-Kenya candidate highlighted the challenges faced by opposition candidates in the region, referencing broader concerns about voter intimidation and electoral misconduct in recent Kenyan polls.
Malava, located in Kakamega County, has historically been a politically active constituency, with close contests between leading parties in by-elections often drawing national attention.
Panyako urged his supporters to remain vigilant but peaceful, emphasizing the importance of protecting the democratic process.
“We need to ensure that every vote counts and that the electorate is free from coercion,” he stated, reiterating calls for IEBC and law enforcement to uphold their constitutional duties.
The Malava by-election, set to fill a vacant parliamentary seat, comes amid heightened scrutiny over electoral integrity nationwide.
The IEBC has not issued an immediate response to Panyako’s claims, while local police sources did not confirm any planned interventions at the hotel.
Voting is expected to proceed under the commission’s supervision, with security measures in place to ensure orderly conduct.