Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma is nursing head injuries following violence that marred the Kasipul Constituency by-election on Thursday.
The MP also reported that his bodyguard lost his firearm during the incident.
“We have been attacked by our opponents, yet I am an agent of the ODM Party in this election. My bodyguard has lost his gun in the incident,” Kaluma told reporters.
He said he was assaulted by goons at Agoro Sare Primary School when he went to inspect the voting process.
Videos seen by Julisha.co.ke show rowdy youths claiming that the MP has long been at the forefront of insulting them. Kaluma accused independent candidate Philip Aroko of orchestrating the attack.
Police have been on high alert following cases of violence in Kasipul Constituency ahead of the by-election.
Officers also confirmed reports of unrest on Wednesday night in parts of Narok and Kakamega, where at least two people were injured.
In Kakamega Town, a man was reportedly held captive and beaten over allegations of involvement in rigging. He was later rescued and rushed to hospital with head injuries.
In Narok, a ward candidate was reportedly harassed by unidentified assailants.
Despite the incidents, the National Police Service (NPS) stated that the voting exercise began smoothly in all centres.
NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga emphasised that the police are working closely with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to uphold their constitutional mandate, which is protecting life and property, preventing crime and ensuring public safety while respecting human rights.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon assured voters of enhanced security, noting that each polling station has a minimum of two officers on duty, with additional teams patrolling to provide rapid response when needed.
“Voters are assured of a secure and peaceful environment and are urged to report any incidents through the appropriate security channels,” Ethekon said.