Ballot boxes and other election materials [Photo: The Standard]
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) reported low voter turnout in the Kiagu Ward by-election in Meru County in the morning hours.
IEBC says this was occasioned by the morning rains which blocked some voters from casting ballots early enough.
However, IEBC County Election Manager Macharia Gichichi who is overseeing the exercise, has expressed optimism saying the numbers might pick up later during the day as the rain dissipates.
“The exercise took off smoothly but due to the rains in the morning it was slowed down a bit. However, we expect more people as the rains subside,” he said.
The ward in Meru county has 26 polling stations which were all opened at 6AM and will be closed later today at 5PM.
IEBC cleared 10 candidates to vie for the MCA seat including; Chama Cha Kazi candidate Milton Mwenda, Samson Magambo of Jubilee and Simon Kiambi of UDA.
Other competitors in the by-election are Kinyua Nabea of Ford Kenya, Douglas Bundi of Safina party, Scholastica Mwendwa of PDU, Haroun Kaburu of Maendeleo Chap Chap and Richard Marete of ERP.
The by-election follows the death of MCA Eunice Karegi in May this year.
She succumbed to cancer while undergoing treatment in hospital.
A newsmaker, reporter and anchor at Pearl Radio, Ndalilah Sharon is witty and savvy.
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