This archive report was first published on 8 November 2019.
On November 8, 2019, the Kibra by-election was marred by claims of voter bribery and intimidation, prompting a heavy police presence in the area.
Security officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) and regular police were deployed to various parts of the constituency to maintain order and prevent any further incidents.
At Lindi Mosque, one of the polling stations, a contingent of riot police was stationed to prevent any potential violence.
However, the situation took a turn for the worse when hundreds of residents gathered around the polling station, refusing to leave, claiming they were protecting their votes.
ODM party leader Raila Odinga complained of cases of voter intimidation, which he said were being perpetuated by individuals across various polling stations.
Deputy President William Ruto denied the allegations, thanking Kibra residents for turning up to vote in large numbers and resisting violence.
"Peaceful voting is going on in many polling centres and security officers are on alert to deal with acts of lawlessness. Change is imminent! Mungu mbele (God first)," said the DP.
Former Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale also denied claims of having been attacked by youth in the constituency, while Jubilee party candidate MacDonald Mariga accused ODM of spreading propaganda to cause tension and violence during the voting process.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) warned voters against sharing images of marked ballot papers, as well as candidates, voters, and agents against carrying campaign material to the polling station, campaigning while on the queues, and instigating violence.
