Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was reportedly attacked by a mob while performing his duties as an ODM Party observer at Agoro Sare polling station during the Kasipul by-elections.
The incident has raised concerns about security at polling stations amid heightened tensions in the region.
Eyewitnesses say the chaos erupted unexpectedly as Kaluma was monitoring the voting process.
He was reportedly confronted and attacked by unidentified goons, prompting immediate intervention by local security personnel.
Following the attack, Kaluma met with security officers to assess the situation and ensure the safety of voters and election staff at the center.
In statement, the MP revealed that the confrontation resulted in his bodyguard losing a firearm amid the commotion.
“During the attack, my bodyguard’s firearm was lost in the chaos,” Kaluma said, highlighting the potentially dangerous situation that unfolded.
Authorities are now investigating the incident to locate the missing weapon and determine how the breach occurred.
The attack underscores the challenges of ensuring a safe and orderly electoral process, particularly in areas experiencing high political tensions.
Kaluma’s ordeal has drawn reactions from political leaders and the public, with many calling for heightened security measures to protect voters, election observers, and officials.
Despite the unsettling incident, the ODM MP emphasized the importance of remaining committed to the democratic process.
He urged residents to exercise their right to vote without fear, assuring them that security forces were actively responding to maintain order across polling stations.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has also been alerted to the attack and the missing firearm.
Security agencies are now expected to beef up their presence in Kasipul to prevent further disturbances and guarantee a safe environment for voters.
As investigations continue, the incident at Agoro Sare serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks faced by election observers and the need for robust security measures to protect democratic processes.
