Voting eve marked by rigging claims, confusion

Claims of electoral malpractices were yesterday made in various parts of the country hours before Kenyans go to the polls.

The allegations ranged from voter bribery to marked ballot papers and intimidation.

In Embu County, some Kazi Mtaani workers protested outside the chief’s office whom they accused of ordering youths to vote for Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

“We were separated according to the political outfit we are supporting. Those of us who said we were supporting UDA, the chief asked us what UDA will offer us and that is when he told us we have to support Azimio to secure our jobs,” said Mwanahidi Ali.

UDA governor candidate in Embu County Cecily Mbarire and Manyatta constituency candidate Gitonga Mukunji demanded an explanation. Mbarire said Kenyans should be allowed to vote for whoever they want without any form of intimidation.

Kenya Kwanza alliance candidates also addressed a press conference in the same area and alleged a plot to rig the polls in Mt Kenya region.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Gatundu South MP  Moses Kuria claimed that marked ballot boxes would be brought to the area to rig the polls in favour of Raila.

Election materials

In Mumias it was reported that ballot papers for the  Kirinyaga County governor’s seat were discovered in Mumias East sub-county, Kakamega County.

Reports indicated that there was confusion in distribution of ballot papers.

In Tharaka Nithi County, there was tension after members of the public intercepted a private vehicle carrying election materials.

The pick-up carrying polling booths, stamps, seals, election officials badges and binders was stopped at Kaanwa in Chuka/Igambang’ombe constituency on suspicion that they materials were meant for rigging elections.

Police rushed to the scene and stopped a mob from torching the vehicle and the materials.

The officers escorted the vehicle to a nearby Mariani Assistant County Commissioner office before informing IEBC officers.

Tharaka Nithi County IEBC Deputy Returning Officer Lacton Mugambi said the materials were destined for Tharaka constituency.

“These are our materials and were being taken to Tharaka constituency only that the driver of the IEBC vehicle that was carrying the officers escorting it was left in Chuka town to fuel the vehicle,” said Mugambi.

 Tharaka Nithi County Police Commander Donatha Chali said they had launched investigations into the matter and urged residents to remain calm.

 “We will investigate where the materials were being taken and why the vehicle had no police escort,” said Chali.