Voting in the Baringo Senate by-election began early this morning at 6:00 am, with polling stations across the county opening on time.

However, the voter turnout has remained noticeably low as the day progresses, a trend that has caught the attention of both election officials and observers on the ground.

“I am currently at Chepkotoyan polling station after going round a few polling stations around here… We have a bit of a low turnout, but it’s quite improving. We are remaining with a few hours remaining, but by that time, we will have achieved the target,” This is according to Justine Chebii.

On the other hand, many residents have attributed the slow turnout to the fact that the election day fell on a weekday, saying a majority of voters are at their workplaces and may only find time to cast their ballots later in the day.

Likewise, officials have maintained that more people will show up before the exercise closes, insisting that all systems are running smoothly to accommodate a late rush if it happens.

One of the Baringo residents, Tuitoek Chirchir from Mochongoi, has recalled his experience with voting in the region while confirming the sudden change in numbers in the ongoing by-elections.

“It’s already 1:00 pm, and we are not even at 50% of the voter turnout. Time has really gone. Most of us work far away from home, and today is a weekday. People are at work, but we expect them to come and vote. Most were at work even up to yesterday, so that is the reason a small number of people have come out to vote,” he said.

Reasons for low turnout

Similarly, a resident of Baringo South, Justine Chebii, also noted how being a weekday has affected the turnout.

“What is contributing to the low turnout? Today being a weekday, I understand that some people are in offices, and some are in other work. Like in this area, people are harvesting, so they are in their farms, but they have promised to be here before the closure of the station,” Chebii said.

Despite the low numbers, the voting process has been peaceful in all parts of the county. No incidents of fracas or disruptions have been reported, and security personnel remain on high alert to ensure a calm and orderly exercise as Baringo voters choose their next senator.

Justine Chebii continues to say, “It is impressive that we do not have any sort of violence; it is peaceful, and that is the most important part of any election. Having a very peaceful election, we have a good testimony to give. We are calling upon people to come so that we exercise this democratic right.” Chebii added.