Violence must not define our elections

Homabay Town MP Peter Kaluma attacked at Agoro Sare primary school polling station in Kasipul Constituency, Homabay County. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

The violence witnessed during the recent campaigns and by-elections across the country is a shameful betrayal of Kenya’s democratic aspirations. What should have been a peaceful exercise in choosing leaders turned into scenes of chaos, fear and lawlessness.

From Kasipul, Magarini to Malava, and even in Mbeere North where elected leaders attempted to force their way into polling stations after voting hours, the country was treated to a distressing display of political intolerance and blatant disregard for electoral integrity.