Gachagua Accuses Government of Sending Goons to Burn Ballot Boxes in Narok Town After Candidate Began Losing

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the government of unleashing hired goons and police officers to destroy election materials in Narok Town after signs emerged that its preferred candidate was losing ground in the ongoing by-elections.

In a strongly worded statement shared on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Gachagua claimed the state had “panicked” as results from various polling centres began to show poor performance for candidates aligned to the ruling side. He alleged that the response was a coordinated attempt to disrupt voting and interfere with the tallying process.

According to Gachagua, chaos broke out in the Narok Township Ward race moments after it became clear that the state-backed candidate was trailing. He said individuals linked to senior state officials stormed the area and set ablaze ballot boxes and KIEMS kits in what he described as a “desperate bid to alter the outcome.”

“After losing the Narok Township Ward by-elections, the government has sent goons and police to burn the ballot boxes and KIEMS kits, but it is too little, too late. How desperate are William Ruto and Patrick Ntutu?” Gachagua posted.

The allegations come amid growing tension and scattered violence in several by-election hotspots across the country. Multiple reports of intimidation, disruption and attempted interference have cast a shadow over the vote, raising concerns about the integrity of the process.

In Mbeere North, which the IEBC had earlier flagged as highly volatile, rival groups clashed violently outside the tallying centre, creating scenes of complete disorder. One faction wielded batons and attempted to occupy the entrance, insisting they would not leave until results were released. The opposing group hurled stones from a distance as police officers stationed at the centre watched with minimal intervention.

Thick clouds of tear gas filled the air as the rival groups continued to engage, further escalating the standoff. A resident, John Arimi Thoini, who witnessed the confrontation, claimed one of the groups was linked to Mathira MP Erick Wamumbi. According to him, the chaos began after Wamumbi was denied entry into the Siakago Social Hall, where vote counting was set to begin.

“Everything had been smooth, but after 5:00 pm when polling stations were closed, Erick Wamumbi attempted to enter, but voters refused. He left and returned with his goons and his security officers, all of whom had alighted from the same car,” Thoini recounted.

Similar scenes have been reported in other by-election zones, including an incident where a vehicle belonging to DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa was torched by unknown attackers.

As authorities continue to grapple with the unrest, calls for calm and demands for transparent tallying have intensified. The IEBC has yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the incidents, but pressure is mounting for an investigation into the alleged state involvement and the broader security lapses witnessed during the day’s voting.