Voter apathy has cast a long shadow over the Evurore Ward by-election on Thursday, February 26, 2026, with several polling stations recording a low turnout as residents stay away from the ballot.

At Kanyuambora Primary School, the polling station with the highest number of registered voters in the constituency, the situation was particularly evident, with only a few voters seen showing up to cast their votes, with long stretches of calm replacing what is usually a bustling exercise.

Despite the low turnout, election officials said the process was moving on smoothly, with materials delivered on time and security personnel stationed across the ward.

Low turnout, bribery claims

The constituency returning officer, James Mwangi, said some stations where voting started 30 minutes late will be compensated. Voting is set to close at 5pm. Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, who cast his vote at Kanyuambora Primary School, claimed that the low turnout could be linked to voter bribery.

“There is bribery by the government. Some people have been planted in various areas to bribe voters,” Muturi claimed shortly after voting.

He added that people should be allowed to exercise their democratic right freely without interference or intimidation. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Duncan Muratia Nyaga also voted at the same polling station, expressing optimism about his chances.

“I am confident that I will win this by-election. I urge voters to come out in large numbers and vote,” Muratia said.

On his part, former Embu senator Lenny Kivuti said he was impressed with how the process was being conducted but raised concerns over the low turnout.

“So far, the process is smooth and peaceful, and that is commendable; however, there is low turnout, and that raises questions. There are also some suspicious vehicles moving around Evurore Ward, and they need to be investigated,” Kivuti said.

As voting continues, attention now turns to whether turnout will improve in the final hours and whether the claims raised by the leaders will prompt further action from the authorities.