Siaya Governor James Orengo has raised the alarm over what he describes as an escalating pattern of violence, intimidation, and state force during Kenya’s by-elections, warning that the country is drifting into a dangerous political culture reminiscent of past authoritarian eras.

In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Orengo lamented the chaotic scenes witnessed in several polling areas, saying the violence marks a worrying step backward for a country that prides itself on the democratic gains of the 2010 Constitution.

“We can’t be first world if, years after the Constitution 2010, we can’t hold peaceful and fair elections,” Orengo said. “The militarization and ‘goonification’ of elections is an evil worse than mlolongo.”

The veteran lawyer and long-time champion of electoral reforms was referring to the infamous mlolongo voting method of the Moi-era, where voters queued behind candidates in the open, often leading to widespread intimidation, rigging, and violence.

Rising Fears of State-Backed Intimidation

Orengo’s comments come amid reports of clashes, forced disruptions, and heavy police deployment in several by-election hotspots, including Kabuchai, Malava, and Kasipul. Opposition leaders have claimed coordinated attempts to suppress voter turnout in areas perceived to be hostile to the ruling party.

The Siaya governor said the trend of deploying armed officers and alleged state-backed groups at polling stations is destroying public trust in the electoral system and mirrors the repressive political environment seen in parts of the East African region.

“The East African neighborhood is becoming—or has been—extremely intolerant and despotic,” he noted, cautioning that Kenya risks sliding into the same pattern if strong action is not taken.