Kalonzo accuses State machinery of meddling in by-election campaigns
Wiper Patriotic Front Party Leader Kalonzo introduces United Opposition candidate (DCP), Stanley Kenga in Chakama, Magarini constituency on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Courtesy photo
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused the national government of deploying State machinery and cash to influence the Magarini by-election.
Speaking in Garashi on Tuesday, the former vice president claimed buses ferrying people had been brought into the area.
“Juzi Ruto amekaa siku nne huko. Watu waliletwa kwa mabasi 12,000 na kila mtu alipata Sh7,000,” Mr Kalonzo told the crowd in Swahili, loosely translated as “the head of state President William Ruto toured the area with 12,000 people and that each person received Sh7,000”. They are claims which AVDelta News could not independently verify.
He warned residents to beware of artificial mobilisation and irregular voter movements under IEBC’s open-kit arrangements.
He urged every resident to check the voter roll and guard their vote.
“Mambo haya hatuwezi kuyakubali. Kila mtu achunge kura yake. (We won't accept this practice. Let's guard our votes),” he said.
Mr Stanley Karisa Kenga, the DCP candidate backed by the opposition coalition, told supporters the by-election was a chance to correct a wrong.
“The court confirmed what we have always said. Magarini people were short-changed in 2022,” Mr Kenga said.
He asked voters to turn out in large numbers on November 27, 2025, and to protect every ballot.
He claimed the incumbent, Mr Harrison Kombe had failed to address unemployment, uplifting women’s groups and unresolved land issues.
“Tunataka kiongozi atakayefungua nafasi za ajira na kutatua ardhi (We want leaders who will create job opportunities and solve land issues),” he told the crowd.
Both leaders appealed for calm.
Mr Musyoka praised local elders for resisting intimidation.
Mr Kenga thanked opposition parties that withdrew candidates to back his bid.
The Magarini seat fell vacant after the courts nullified the 2022 result.
IEBC cleared alongside Kombe and Kenga, Furaha Chengo Ngumbao (DNA), John Sulubu (Kenya Social Congress), Karisa Chadi (Roots), Emmanuel Kalama (WE Alliance), and Samuel Nzai (Independent).
