On the morning of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Comission (IEBC)’s by‑election in Narok Town Ward, a tense and chaotic scene unfolded outside Masikonde Primary School — one of the designated polling stations.
A video that has since circulated online shows a crowd milling about the gate under heavy security presence, as supporters from the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) attempted to enter.
In the footage, a man believed to be the DCP candidate is seen being hurriedly escorted away by security operatives under apparent duress.
Eyewitnesses described the atmosphere as “confused” — many arriving voters and party agents remained uncertain whether the polling station was open or closed, as the escorting disrupted orderly queueing.
Some onlookers speculated the candidate’s removal may have been meant to avoid confrontation with the security officers.
It is not yet clear whether the candidate was arrested or simply removed from the area for “security reasons.”
The by‑election — scheduled for 27 November 2025 — follows the vacancy left by the death of the ward’s previous MCA.
Ahead of the vote, the DCP, led by Rigathi Gachagua, has accused state authorities of mounting a “state‑sponsored” crackdown on its campaign machinery.
The party alleges that roadblocks, heavy police deployment, and interference from militia have been used to block their candidate Douglas Masikonde from campaigning in Narok.
On 24 November, Gachagua claimed more than 1,000 officers were deployed to restrict his team’s movement — forcing him to enter the town via unmonitored village paths.
He said the obstruction aimed to frustrate his campaign outreach ahead of the polls.
The Narok polls have attracted national attention: the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is fielding the late MCA’s son, and other major parties like Jubilee Party are also in the race.
DCP alleges that on 26 November, heavily armed police officers and state‑backed militia stormed Masikonde’s home, attacking him and his agents during a training session, in what they see as a deliberate attempt to suppress their campaign.
The party also claims that uniformed and plain‑clothed officers have mounted illegal roadblocks around Narok Town — preventing movement of supporters and blocking key campaign activities.
In a letter addressed to the IEBC, the DCP warned of possible voter intimidation, suppression, and a pre-determined outcome favouring other parties — unless security and fairness are guaranteed.
According to DCP, the confusion witnessed outside Masikonde Primary may not have been coincidental but part of a broader effort to stifle their participation in the polls.
Though official comment from security agencies has not yet been forthcoming, some voters and community members — captured in the footage — expressed dismay over the unfolding scenes.
Several wondered whether their right to cast a vote was being undermined, especially if the candidate’s escorting away signaled broader disruptions inside the polling station.
Others feared that the heightened security presence could intimidate ordinary voters, discourage turnout or cause confusion that could compromise the integrity of the by‑election.
As the by-election proceeds, the circumstances surrounding the confusion at Masikonde Primary will draw heightened scrutiny:
Observers will be watching whether the candidate is allowed to return or contest, and whether polling proceeds with impartiality.
Voter turnout — especially among DCP supporters — could be influenced by these early indications of tension.
The broader election will be closely monitored, especially by civil society and independent watchdogs, for any evidence of intimidation or undue interference.
For now, Masikonde Primary stands as a symbol of both hope and fear — hope for free democratic participation, and fear of possible disruption just when the ballot is about to be cast.
By Nairobi