The race for the Ugunja seat turned dangerous on Tuesday when the ugly face of political violence reared its head, leaving three people hospitalized with gunshot wounds.

A high-stakes rally presided over by ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga at Suwinga Village ended in screams and scattered crowds rather than cheers.

According to reports, a scuffle involving rowdy youths escalated rapidly, prompting security personnel to resort to live ammunition.

The victims, Peter Omondi, Mark Arony, and Brian, became the latest casualties of a heating political contest.

Omondi and Arony were struck in the chest, injuries that required urgent referral to Siaya County Referral Hospital, while Brian is being treated for a hand injury.

The shooting at the homestead of MCA Martin Otieno has sent shockwaves through the constituency.

Youth leaders have since issued a desperate plea for tolerance, urging politicians to restrain their supporters and security teams to prevent the by-election from turning into a battlefield.

“We need a safe and respectful campaign environment,” the youth leadership stated, condemning the violence that turned a political gathering into a crime scene.