WHEN DEMOCRACY CAME UNDER SIEGE: HOW VIOLENCE OVERSHADOWED THE OL KALOU BY-ELECTION

What was meant to be a peaceful exercise of democracy instead turned into one of Kenya's most turbulent political events of 2026, as violence, intimidation and attacks on journalists overshadowed the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

Even before polling stations opened at 6:00 a.m., Ol Kalou had effectively become a security zone. More than 1,000 officers drawn from the General Service Unit (GSU), the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), regular police and anti-riot units were deployed alongside water cannons following intelligence reports warning of possible unrest.

Ahead of the vote, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen assured residents that security agencies were fully prepared. He maintained that the election would be peaceful and credible, warning that anyone attempting to disrupt the process would face the full force of the law.

The by-election, called to replace the late MP David Kiaraho, quickly evolved into far more than a local contest. It became a symbolic political showdown between President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza coalition and allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, drawing nationwide attention.

Polling initially began peacefully across the constituency's 144 polling stations, with voters arriving early to cast their ballots. Election officials, observers and journalists reported a calm atmosphere during the morning hours.

That calm was shattered as hooded men reportedly descended on parts of Ol Kalou town, disrupting voting and triggering running battles with police. Anti-riot officers fired tear gas to disperse crowds as panic spread around several polling centres. Roads were briefly blocked while security personnel struggled to restore order.

The violence soon extended beyond the polling stations.

Journalists covering the election became direct targets. Several media crews were assaulted, cameras were damaged or stolen, and reporters were forced to flee for safety. Among those attacked was The Star photojournalist Enos Teche, whose assault sparked widespread condemnation from media organizations and press freedom advocates.

The attacks raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists covering public events and renewed debate over the shrinking space for press freedom during politically charged elections.

As the unrest unfolded, Murkomen ordered investigations into the violence, including allegations involving hooded gangs and claims of interference during the election. He reiterated that anyone found responsible, regardless of political affiliation or status, would be arrested and prosecuted.

Despite the disruption, voting and the subsequent tallying process continued under tight security, with anti-riot officers and water cannons guarding the main tallying centre as IEBC officials completed the count.

The Ol Kalou by-election will be remembered not only as a contest for a parliamentary seat but also as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Kenya's democracy. It exposed the fragile balance between peaceful political competition and violence, raising difficult questions about electoral security, accountability and the protection of journalists.

For many Kenyans, Ol Kalou became a powerful reminder that democracy is measured not only by the ballots cast, but also by the freedom to vote, report and participate without fear.