JAP, PNU accuse each other of voter bribery in by-election

A voters casts his ballot at the Shalom Primary School in Ngobit Ward, Laikipia Couty, yesterday. By-elections were also held in Uyoma and Lelmokwo/Ngechek wards in Siaya and Nandi counties. [PHOTO:KIBATA KIHU/STANDARD]

Bribery allegations marred by-elections at Ngobit Ward in Laikipia County, with the front runners Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) and Party of National Unity (PNU) accusing each other of electoral offences.

Yesterday, voters in Lelmokwo/Ngechek Ward in Nandi County and Uyoma Ward in Siaya also went to the polls to pick their County Assembly representatives.

In Laikipia, the process was marred by allegations from various polling stations that supporters of each of the two contestants were involved in bribing voters.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials and police arrested a woman at Githira polling station over claims of bribery.

The IEBC returning officer, Mr Peter Kuria, said investigations revealed she did not have any exhibit in her possession. “We have received calls claiming that some people are bribing voters, but we have not established the truth since every time we mobilise our officials, they don’t get any evidence.”

The by-election has attracted five candidates—William Gitonga (JAP), Robert Maina (PNU), Robert Ruheni (DP), Joseph Kiruhi, an independent candidate, and Regina Njeri (Chama Mwangaza Daima).

And in Lelmokwo/Ngechek 9,224 were expected to vote in 21 polling stations. Eunice Maru, the returning officer said the voting process had been smooth.  

The race, which features three aspirants, is expected to be a close battle between JAP candidate Julius Arusei and his Kanu rival Ezekiel Lelei, popularly known as Bamwai.

The third candidate, Elphas Kimego, is running on a Chama Cha Mashinane ticket.

The Returning Officer Eunice Maru said the process had been smooth. “About 50 per cent of voters turned up at 6am,” she said.