NAIROBI, KENYA – Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang'i on Monday, November 24, 2025, directly accused President William Ruto's administration of orchestrating and condoning political violence to manipulate upcoming by-elections. Speaking at the Tonga SDA Church in Nyamira County, Matiang'i claimed the government was sponsoring goons to cause chaos in electoral areas where it fears defeat.

His sharp accusations follow a violent incident on Saturday, November 22, 2025, where Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya's convoy was attacked in Kabuchai Ward, Bungoma County. Governor Natembeya was campaigning for an independent MCA candidate, Eric Wekesa, ahead of the by-elections scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, when his rally was disrupted. Eyewitnesses reported that unidentified assailants hurled stones and deployed tear gas canisters, causing panic and forcing security personnel to escort the governor from the scene. Several vehicles in the convoy, including a police escort car, had their windows shattered.

Security Failures Questioned

Drawing on his experience as the country's former top security official, Dr. Matiang'i questioned how such an attack could occur despite a heavy presence of security command in the region. "I worked in the security sector, and you cannot tell me that the county commissioner and the security team are unaware of what happened there," he stated, dismissing any attempts to frame the incident as a simple clash between rival groups. He asserted that the violence was a sign of the government's desperation and predicted it marked "the beginning of the end" for the current regime.

Governor Natembeya and his Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) have directly blamed the violence on goons allegedly linked to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, a key ally of President Ruto. The party has called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Police Service (NPS) to take decisive action, warning that their silence could fuel further unrest.

A Pattern of Violence

The Kabuchai incident is not isolated. A series of by-elections across 22 electoral areas have been marred by violence, intimidation, and voter bribery, raising concerns about the integrity of the polls. In Kasipul constituency, Homa Bay County, clashes between rival supporters on November 6, 2025, resulted in the deaths of two young men. This prompted the IEBC to fine the two candidates involved KSh 1 million each for violating the Electoral Code of Conduct.

The IEBC has issued stern warnings against violence and has been coordinating with the NPS and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to enhance security. In a joint statement, the bodies condemned the acts of intimidation and inflammatory language, reaffirming their commitment to delivering peaceful and credible by-elections.

Rising Political Stakes

The by-elections are widely seen as a critical litmus test for the political strength of both President Ruto's Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition. The heated rhetoric and violent confrontations underscore the high stakes involved as political factions battle for influence ahead of the 2027 General Election. Other political figures, including former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, have also warned the President that the international community is watching the conduct of these mini-polls and that Kenyans' tolerance for electoral malpractice is at an all-time low.

As of Tuesday morning, November 25, 2025, State House and the UDA party had not issued a formal response to Dr. Matiang'i's specific accusations. The National Police Service has previously assured the public of its commitment to neutrality and providing robust security for the polls. With polling day just two days away, pressure is mounting on security agencies and the IEBC to prevent further escalation and ensure voters can exercise their democratic rights without fear.