The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party elections in Busia County were plunged into chaos and violence on Tuesday, August 29, after alleged hired goons stormed a polling station, injuring officials and disrupting the democratic process, culminating in Governor Paul Otuoma declaring himself the winner under highly controversial circumstances.
The incident, which has drawn widespread condemnation, began in the morning when delegates arrived to cast their votes. According to Matayos MP Geoffrey Odanga, Governor Otuoma had already sent gangs wearing ODM-branded T-shirts to raid the polling station.
“ODM was slated to conduct county delegates elections, but in the morning, when delegates reached the polling station, Governor Paul Otuoma had already sent goons to raid the polling station and destroy the peaceful election,” said Odanga. “All those assigned for the elections, including the returning officer, were chased away, and his county staff took over the election process while using a fake registrar for voting.”
Tragically, the election officials tasked with overseeing the vote were not just chased away—they were attacked. The Busia County Election Board Chairman was reportedly forced to seek safety at a nearby police station after sustaining injuries from the assailants. Sources confirm that the chairman and other officials were allegedly assaulted by the governor’s supporters.
Amid the turmoil, Governor Otuoma was declared the winner of the chairmanship position, reportedly garnering 128 votes. However, many delegates have come forward claiming they were never given the opportunity to vote due to the intimidating presence of a large number of gang members at the station.
The declaration of Otuoma as the winner has been met with fury and disbelief. Mose Baba, a concerned citizen, expressed his deep sadness over the day’s events. “How can ODM call for elections, and Governor Paul Otuoma, who is vying for the chairmanship, ends up declaring himself the winner while those mandated to announce the results are in hospital fighting for their lives?” he asked.
The situation paints a grim picture of internal party democracy and raises serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process within one of Kenya’s major political parties. As of now, the ODM party headquarters has not issued an official statement regarding the validity of the Busia election or the serious allegations of violence and fraud.
This event is likely to intensify ongoing tensions within the ODM party as it prepares for future national elections.
