In a tense atmosphere, police in Siakago, Mbeere North, took swift action to quell unrest as the vote counting commenced. A group of young men, primarily chanting and singing anti-government slogans, approached the polling station's main gate, causing concern among officials. The initial small gathering steadily grew, raising fears of potential disruptions. Police officers intervened, dispersing the crowd and restoring calm around the polling center. Despite the heavy police presence, intended to instill fear and discourage participation, the people of Mbeere remained resolute. However, tensions had already escalated earlier in the day when the ruling UDA party and the United Opposition exchanged accusations of voter bribery in Mbeere North Constituency. UDA candidate Leo Wa Muthende alleged that money was being offered to voters, claiming, 'There are places they are attempting to give voters Sh100 or Sh200, and I will give you the list later.' This accusation was met with a brief rise in tensions when former CS Justin Muturi asked Nyeri’s Chinga MCA Kiruga Thuku to leave a polling station. Muturi cited Thuku's attire, bearing UDA party colors, as a violation of electoral guidelines on party branding at polling stations. Thuku, however, denied wearing party colors during the Mbeere North by-election, amidst chaos at Siakago Social Hall. Addressing the press, Kiruga insisted his jacket was ordinary yellow clothing, stating, 'The law targets branded party colors. My jacket is normal yellow, the kind I wear to church or weddings. Yellow represents compassion and peace; I was simply being peaceful.' The electoral commission emphasized that entry into tallying centers is strictly limited to accredited individuals with official identification and badges. Shortly after tallying began, police fired teargas and shots into the air to disperse crowds attempting to force their way into the tallying center, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining order during the election process.
