Abduction and Torture of Presiding Officers in Kakamega Fuel Tensions Ahead of ODM Elections

What began as a routine electoral duty has spiraled into a nightmare for some officials in Kakamega County, where fear now hangs heavy ahead of Wednesday’s ODM elections.

The abduction and reported torture of two presiding officers, men simply tasked with overseeing grassroots democracy, has shaken communities in Lurambi and beyond, raising questions not just about security, but about the cost of political service.

In Lurambi constituency, presiding officer Esau Omung’ala, who had just concluded overseeing the grassroots party elections, was reportedly abducted under unclear circumstances shortly after the polls closed.

The incident was reported at Kakamega Central Police Station in Kakamega town on Monday evening, and recorded in the Occurrence Book as OB116 at 1958hrs.

According to grassroots leaders led by Vincent Mumia, Omung’ala was attacked while having tea at a hotel in town. Mumia said the officer was kidnapped, undressed, and tortured by a group of men described as political goons, only to be rescued later by the police.

“We condemn the incident that took place yesterday evening where the presiding officers were abducted and tortured. We call on the police to fast speed the matter and bring to book the people involved in abductions,” said Mumia.

He linked the event to escalating political rivalries in the county and called for immediate protection for officials and party members participating in the elections.

"This is a dark day for democracy. No one should lose their life for participating in a political process the way it happened in other counties or being tortured. It’s trauma to the people affected and their families, and we condemn the act," Mumia added.

Alice Oside, another grassroots participant, expressed frustration and fear, saying their presiding officer was nearly killed.

“In Lurambi we are peaceful and we had a very good election only for the presiding officer to be abducted. We don't want fights in our party because we are very peaceful. No one should interfere with our party,” said Alice.

Scholastica Abululi, echoing calls for calm, said the elections were conducted freely and fairly, and that any efforts to undermine that peace should be condemned.

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“Goons who have started destroying peace in Lurambi may never see peace. We are having elections tomorrow and I call for peace because it's even scaring us. All we peach is peace,” she said.

Community voices are now calling for higher-level intervention. Fabian Shiveka appealed directly to party leader Raila Odinga to step in and restore order.

“This man needs justice and those who took part in the abductions will be held accountable. If we allow this to happen, then it means that our lives will be in danger,” he said.

Shiveka also reminded political opponents and party members alike that returning officers are human beings too, and that their right to live and serve without fear must be respected.