Former Roots Party deputy presidential candidate Justina Wamae has linked the growing cases of election violence in Kenya to deepening poverty among voters.
In a statement on X on Friday, November 28, 2025, Wamae said many Kenyans are struggling to survive, leaving them vulnerable to political manipulation and violence.
“You may blame IEBC and the police all you want. You may go to court if you deem it necessary, but the big question remains: why is there an increase in goonism in our elections?” she wrote.
“Poverty and hopelessness, which have rendered voters desperate, they no longer have anything to live for or to lose,” she added.
Wamae argued that focusing only on institutions misses the real problem. According to her, Kenyans are not driven by handouts but by the need for fair opportunities.
“The shenanigans in wantam and tutam are not answering the real issues affecting Kenyans,” she added. “Kenyans do not want handouts; circumstances force them. All Kenyans want is for their genuine effort to be rewarded.”
Her remarks followed a day of violence during Thursday’s by-elections held in 22 electoral units, including Malava in Kakamega County and Mbeere North in Embu County.
In Malava, a vehicle belonging to DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa was burned by unknown attackers in Manyonje village.
Witnesses said shots were fired, supporters were beaten, and property was stolen.
Earlier that morning, clashes at a hotel where DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako was meeting his team left two people injured.
In Mbeere North, polling agents were attacked on their way to the polling stations, and groups of youths lingered around polling centres, raising fears for voters’ safety.
IEBC chair Erastus Ethekon condemned the incidents, calling them “unacceptable.”
He dismissed claims of ballot-stuffing, saying all ballot papers have security features and voting was monitored by agents and observers.
He promised that the commission would work with security agencies to identify those responsible.
By Peopledaily