Justina Wamae: Poverty is fueling goonism in elections
By Ascah Mwango, November 29, 2025Former Roots Party deputy presidential candidate Justina Wamae has said poverty and hopelessness are driving the surge in violence and intimidation that marred Thursday’s by-elections in Kenya.
In a statement shared via her X account on Friday, November 28, 2025, Wamae said that many voters, trapped in desperate circumstances, no longer feel they have anything to lose, making them vulnerable to coercion and manipulation.
Also watch: Justina Wamae warns Ruto over ‘TV road launches’
She said blaming institutions alone, such as the IEBC or the police, fails to address the deeper economic despair that fuels so-called election goonism. She has added that Kenyans want genuine opportunities for their efforts to be rewarded, not handouts.
“You may blame IEBC and the police all you want. You may go to court if you deem it necessary, but the big question remains: why is there an increase in goonism in our elections? Poverty and hopelessness have rendered voters desperate; they no longer have anything to live for or to lose,” Wamae stated.
Adding;
“The shenanigans in wantam and tutam are not answering the real issues affecting Kenyans. Kenyans do not want handouts; circumstances force them. All Kenyans want is for their genuine effort to be rewarded.”
Chaotic by-elections
By-elections were held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in multiple constituencies, including Malava in Kakamega County and Mbeere North in Embu County. The polls were seen as a key test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In Malava, violence escalated early when unknown assailants torched a Toyota Prado belonging to Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K).
Also watch: Wetang’ula hails by-election victors, reaffirms call for national cohesion
The vehicle was set on fire in Manyonje village, Butali Ward. Witnesses said attackers fired shots into the air, assaulted supporters, looted belongings, and then set the vehicle ablaze.
The torching caused panic among residents, with many fleeing the area. Earlier that day, clashes at a hotel where opposition candidate Seth Panyako and his team were meeting left some people injured.
In Mbeere North, polling agents were attacked while heading to their stations, and hostile groups loitered near polling centres, raising fears about voter safety.
Following the incidents, political leaders condemned the violence. ODM’s Edwin Sifuna said November 27 was one of the bloodiest election days in recent history and called on the government to take responsibility.
Also watch: Peter Kaluma attacked in Kasipul as by-election turns violent
Supporters of Eugene Wamalwa accused security agencies of failing to protect voters and candidates.
Despite the chaos, winners were declared in several constituencies. In Malava, David Ndakwa of the United Democratic Alliance won with 21,564 votes, narrowly defeating Seth Panyako of DAP-K, who received 20,210 votes. In Mbeere North, UDA candidate Leonard Wa Muthende was declared the winner.