By Dorothy Musyoka
Kilifi South Member of Parliament Ken Chonga was on Thursday forced out of several polling centres in the ongoing Magarini Constituency by-election after chaotic scenes erupted between rival political camps.
Chonga, who arrived at Mtoroni, Msumarini, and Kanagoni polling stations claiming to be a “Super Agent” for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), was met with hostility from supporters of Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Stanley Karisa Kenga.
The supporters accused the MP of visiting Kenga’s strongholds to intimidate voters.
Police officers manning the centres intervened and advised the legislator to leave to avoid further tension.
Despite the early morning disruptions, thousands of voters streamed into 193 polling stations to choose a new Member of Parliament following the nullification of former MP Harrison Garama Kombe’s election.
The by-election has drawn 10 candidates, although three are reported to have withdrawn after being cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), which maintained their names on the ballot.
Both Kombe and Kenga expressed confidence in clinching victory while urging IEBC to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the process.
Kombe alleged that ODM agents had been denied access to some polling stations, while Kenga accused external political leaders of attempting to interfere with the electoral process.
Voting continues across the constituency under police supervision, with election officers urging all participants to adhere to legal procedures and respect the rights of voters.