Elgon North parliamentary hopeful Eng Irene Nafuna Muloni…..Photo/Courtesy

By IP political desk.

Engineer Irene Nafuna Muloni has condemned what she describes as intimidation and violence directed at her supporters in Elgon North, warning political rivals that elections are not won by fear, fists or manufactured chaos.

“You cannot force people to vote for you through violence,” Muloni said, in what appeared to be a direct rebuke of tactics she said belong to a darker political past, not a modern democracy.

Muloni, a former Cabinet Minister for Energy and Mineral Development and a former Member of Parliament, is contesting the Elgon North seat as an independent after losing the disputed NRM party flag primaries ahead of the 2026 general elections.

The constituency is currently represented by Gerald Nangoli.

Running on experience and development credentials, Muloni has campaigned on improved infrastructure, expanded rural electrification and better access to health and education services.

Her agenda includes pushing for the tarmacking of the Simu Kona–Masila–Bufumbo road and supporting the Muyembe–Mbigi hydropower project to spur jobs, enterprise and tourism.

Politically, her bid has gathered momentum following the withdrawal of four independent aspirants in her favor in late 2025 — a consolidation that has clearly unsettled the race.

But beyond policy and pledges, Muloni says the election risks being overshadowed by intimidation if authorities fail to act.

According to IP sources and local political observers, there are allegations — not independently verified — that the sitting MP may seek to disrupt voting in areas perceived to support Muloni.

The alleged plan, sources say, involves mobilizing a small group of supporters to vote early, then triggering disturbances later in the day to discourage turnout among rival voters.

If true, the approach would be less about winning hearts and more about exhausting voters — a strategy critics describe as “vote early, cause chaos later.”

No response had been issued by the MP at the time of publication.

On the ground, voters say they are not buying into fear.

John Wasike, a registered voter in Elgon North, said residents are alert to the allegations and intend to remain at polling stations despite any attempts at disruption.

“We know what is being discussed and we are asking voters to stay put so that we can save our constituency from intimidation, chaos and bloodshed,” Wasike said. “We want peace. But for any violent conduct, the Electoral Commission should know that warnings have already been raised and the source is being openly discussed.”

Muloni has called on the Electoral Commission and security agencies to treat the warnings seriously, particularly in areas with a history of political tension.

She said the credibility of the election — and public trust — will depend on whether institutions act before problems arise, not after.

Her campaign maintains that leadership is chosen by ballots, not by baton-wielding proxies or polling-day theatrics, warning that any attempt to subvert the vote would not only fail but leave lasting scars on the constituency.

As Elgon North heads toward the polls, the message from Muloni’s camp is blunt: voters are watching, institutions are on notice, and any “ballot-day drama” will be met with vigilance, not silence.

Efforts to reach the MP for comment on the sporadic violence allegedly by his supporters were unfruitful as he didnot pick our  calls.