Candidates and supporters from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the United Opposition on Thursday morning traded accusations of massive voter bribery as voting got underway in the Mbeere North by-election.
This was amid tight security as UDA and opposition parties took matters into their own hands, putting in place strict measures to guard their votes. They stationed agents in all polling stations, with some taking tallies of all voters who turned up to cast their ballot.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, Mbeere North candidate Leonard Wamuthende (UDA) and Duncan Mbui of Chama cha Kazi all claimed there was open voter bribery.
“We have witnessed this in many areas and we call on the IEBC to be strict so as to have a credible election,” Mr Muthende said.
CS Ruku and Mr Muturi also traded accusations, with each blaming the opposing side for bribery and chaos that rocked some areas.
Ruku made reference to chaos that erupted at Siakago Hall polling station, where Mr Muturi and his supporters roughed up two people they accused of wearing attire associated with political party colours.
Mr Muturi, backed by his supporters, chased out one of the alleged voter bribers from the polling station precinct after spotting him in a yellow hood.
Outside the polling station, the DP leader grabbed another man in a red jacket and roughed him up together with his supporters. He claimed the men were UDA supporters and accused them of trying to influence voting.
Mr Muturi reiterated that they would ensure that there would be no stolen votes.
“We want to tell our people that we will ensure each vote counts. We will not be intimidated by anybody and we will ensure that our candidate’s votes are intact,” he said.
The by-election kicked off at around 5 am at Kanyuambora Low Cost Boarding Primary School and Kiathambu amidst allegations of voter bribery.
At Kiathambu, Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) candidate Duncan Mbui expressed fears that the poll will not be free and fair.
On Tuesday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki held meetings with agents and other officials who were instructed to mobilise voters.
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