Tension briefly disrupted voting at the Siakago polling centre in Mbeere North on Thursday, November 27, 2025, after Democratic Party (DP) leader and former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, together with representatives of DP parliamentary candidate Newton Karish, ejected an agent affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The agent identified as Chinga Ward MCA Kiruga Thuku was removed for wearing yellow attire, a colour officially associated with the UDA party. Muturi told local media that wearing party colours at a polling station is prohibited, whether one is an agent or an observer.
“We have informed him that he cannot enter a polling area dressed in party colours. Even if he is a duly authorised agent or observer, he must appear in neutral clothing, not party regalia,” Muturi said.
Concerns Over Unmarked Vehicles
The incident follows Muturi’s earlier alarm over an unusual presence of vehicles with concealed or missing number plates moving around Mbeere North on the eve of the by-election.
Speaking in Siakago designated as the tallying centre on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, he said the vehicles were transporting individuals unfamiliar to local residents. Muturi further claimed that hotels in Embu Town and across Mbeere North were at full capacity, allegedly occupied by people ferried into the area by politicians aligned with the state.
According to Muturi, these developments point to an attempt by state-backed actors to influence the highly contested by-election.
“There is an unusual number of unmarked vehicles crossing the constituency, carrying individuals unknown to residents. This is suspicious and deeply concerning,” he said.
Muturi also expressed dissatisfaction with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), stating he no longer trusted the commission to address such irregularities.
He criticised the introduction of plainclothes police officers at tallying centres, arguing that voters and party agents would struggle to differentiate them from hired goons or individuals intent on interfering with the integrity of the voting process.
Despite these concerns, Muturi urged supporters to remain peaceful and exercise their democratic rights. However, he cautioned that any disruptions allegedly instigated by rival groups would be met with firm resistance, stating that force would be matched with proportional force.
