In the Juja by-elections, the exercise was marked by a low voter turn-out amid calls by a section of leaders to extend the voting period. Jubilee candidate Susan Waititu decried the low voter turnout even as she hailed the enhanced security. Kiambu Women Women Representative Gathoni Wamuchomba had earlier appealed to the Independent Boundaries and Electoral Commission (IEBC) to be flexible to accommodate all electorates to exercise their right to vote.
Meanwhile, politicians have protested against harassment by police in Kisii county during the Bonchari By-election. Leaders allied to ODM and UDA parties condemned heavy police presence claiming some of their agents had been arrested ahead of the poll. ODM candidate Pavel Oimeke while addressing the media at Nyamare Polling Station condemned the heavy presence of police claiming that they were harassing his agents and intimidating voters.
Political Parties Liaison Committee Chairperson, Evans Misati while speaking exclusively to a local media channel said Kenyans should be allowed to exercise their democratic rights in peaceful environments.
The polls attracted 13 aspirants. The by-election is anticipated to be a three-horse race between Jubilee’s Zebedeo Opore, ODM’s Pavel Oimeke and UDA’s Teresia Bitutu.
Other candidates include former Woman Rep Mary Otara (United Green Party), Jonah Ondieki (New Democrats) Victor Omanwao (People’s Economic Development (PED), Charles Mogaka- Progressive Party of Kenya (PPK), David Ogega-(Kenya Social Congress), Kevin Mosomi-PDU, and Eric Oigo- National Reconstruction Alliance.