Day of reckoning as 24 electoral units vote in Ruto-Opposition face-off
It’s all systems go twenty-four electoral units go to the ballot to elect their representatives during today’s by elections as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) yesterday confirmed they are fully prepared for the exercise.
A spot check by The Informer Media Group has revealed most of the polling stations were opened by 6am this morning.
Voters in six parliamentary seats, one Senate seat, and 17 ward seats across the country will elect their leaders of their choice amid high tension as police were heavily deployed in Mbeere North and Malva constituencies.
Opposition leaders led by Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Eugene Wamalwa alleged ploy by government to rig the elections,
In Embu County, multiple roadblocks were yesterday erected as security agencies prepare for Mbeere North by-election, with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders alleging a plot by opposition groups to intimidate voters.
Embu Governor and UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire claimed the opposition had hired goons to disrupt voting in areas considered UDA strongholds.
IEBC’s Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein assured the country that the agency is ready to conduct a credible exercise.
“All polling clerks have been trained and election materials have already been delivered to the constituencies,” he said at St Bhakita Siakago Girls High School in Mbeere North, Embu County.
He added that the only pending task was dispatching ballot materials to polling stations, a process set to begin Wednesday when the commission opens sealed pallets at constituency tallying centres.
Marjan also expressed confidence in the security arrangements.
“We have two police officers in every polling station, with additional teams patrolling the constituencies. Nothing is being left to chance,” he said.
Addressing reports of possible violence in Mbeere North, Marjan said adequate security measures had been put in place following a meeting with local security teams. “Observers will also be present. There is nothing to worry about,” he said.
Mbeere North Returning Officer John Kinyua said the commission had mapped out potentially challenging areas, particularly in hilly terrain such as Muminji and Evrore wards and secured four-wheel-drive vehicles to ensure delivery of materials, especially in case of rain.
In Banisa, Mandera County, IEBC Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan warned officials against engaging in any form of electoral malpractice.
“Anyone found engaging in malpractice will be replaced and prosecuted,” he said, noting that the region has a history of electoral offences in both 2017 and 2022.
“We have all the required materials and vehicles ready for Thursday,” he added.
In Baringo, where a Senate by-election will be held following the death of Senator William Cheptumo on February 15, County Returning Officer John Mwangi also confirmed readiness.
He said clerks, presiding officers and deputy presiding officers had completed training while training for chief agents was ongoing at Kabarnet Vocational Centre.
“All election materials have been delivered to constituency warehouses and will be distributed to the 1,029 polling centres on Wednesday,” he said.
Preparations have been made for areas affected by flooding in Baringo South with residents agreeing on alternative voting venues where needed.
The county has 281,053 registered voters across six constituencies: Baringo Central, Baringo North, Baringo South, Mogotio, Eldama Ravine and Tiaty.
Candidates in the race include Vincent Chemitei (UDA), Benjamin Chebon (TND), Shadrack Kibet Kaplawat (ARC), Steve David Kipruto (RLP), Samuel Letasio (KMM) and Daniel Kirui (Umoja na Maendeleo).
In Nandi County, IEBC Director Silas Rotich said the commission was confident of delivering a transparent Chemundu/Kapngetuny ward by-election.
More than 70 officials have undergone four days of training ahead of the poll. Four candidates are contesting: David Kipchumba Too (TEP), Kiplimo Rutto (UDA), Kirwa Robert Kipchirchir, and Letting Shaffle Korir. A total of 14,535 voters are expected to cast ballots across 30 polling stations.
In Magarini Constituency, Kilifi County, some politicians resorted to door to door campaigns after the official campaign period closed on Monday.
Those mainly targeted by mobilisers of different candidates were community leaders, who are expected to influence decisions that will be made by voters.
IEBC Returning Officer Joseph Mwafondo said preparations for the election are complete, giving an assurance of a fair and transparent exercise on Thursday.
