IEBC to fumigate 139 centers ahead of Msambweni and Dabaso mini-polls

Independent candidate in Msambweni by-election, Feisal Abdallah (third from left) is accompanied by MPs. [Omondi Onyango, Standard]

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was yesterday training the last batch of the 450 poll officials ahead of the Msambweni by-election on Tuesday.

In Kilifi, IEBC said all 22 polling stations and 10 polling centres will be fumigated ahead of the Dabaso ward min-polls scheduled for the same day.

In Msambweni, IEBC said 60 polling centres with a total of 129 stations across the constituency will be fumigated from tomorrow (Sunday) as part of the Covid-19 containment measures.

Returning Officer Yusuf Abubakar said the two-month campaign period has been without chaos and assured the eight candidates and their supporters of a free and fair election.

“The by-election is on the home stretch as we are today and tomorrow training the last batch of poll clerks before we fumigate the polling centres. We will also fumigate the centres after the polls. So far we have not received any formal complaints from the candidates during the campaign period,” Abubakar said yesterday. 

In every polling station, a clerk will be assigned to ensure that voters observe social distance in line with Ministry of Health guidelines, Abubakar said.

The candidates have been eyeing the votes from 69,003 voters spread out in four wards of Gombato/Bongwe, Ukunda, Kinondo and Ramisi.

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya blasted the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) for failing to act on utterances by politicians in the run-up to the by-elections.

"I fail to understand what work NCIC is doing. They have let their guard down and leave every Tom Dick and Harry to issue insults," Mvurya said. 

Omar Idd Boga of ODM who on Thursday got a boost from his party leader Raila Odinga and also met President Uhuru Kenyatta was busy yesterday. His rival Feisal Abdalla Bader was campaigning in Ukunda ward.