Kakamega ANC governor candidate Cleophas Malala has said he is satisfied with the level of IEBC preparedness in Monday's polls.
“Everything is going well, polling stations were opened on time and people started streaming in by 5am and we believe everything is fine,” he said.
He said the election was peaceful.
Malala spoke after casting his vote at Bukhungu Stadium in Lurambi constituency.
The outgoing senator was however concerned about the low voter turnout but exuded confidence that many people would turn out to vote in the course of the day.
Malala’s ANC party is allied to President-elect William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza political formation, while his main competitor, Fernandes Barasa of ODM, is allied to Azimio.
“I have looked at the voter turnout and so far it is about 26 or 27 per cent but we are still optimistic. We are trying to mobilise our people to come and vote,” Malala said at noon.
“The drafters of our Constitution were very clear that the sovereignty of the people is vested in themselves and therefore it’s important that we allow the people of Kakamega to exercise their right to vote and elect a leader of their choice.”
Malala said he was ready to concede defeat in case he was defeated fairly and asked his competitors to do the same.
“But I’m advising them to concede early enough because I’m certain that I'm the winner of this election,” he said.
Malala thanked Kenya Kwanza leaders Ruto, Musalia Mudavadi (ANC) and Moses Wetang’ula (Ford Kenya) for standing with him throughout the campaign.
He was accompanied by ANC national chairman Kelvin Lunani, Vihiga Woman Rep-elect Beatrice Adagala and Petronila Were both from ANC party.
The race to succeed Governor Wycliffe Oparanya attracted seven candidates.
They are Malala, Barasa, Cyrus Jirongo (UDP), Suleiman Sumba (Kanu), Samuel Omukoko (Maendeleo Democratic Party), Michael Osundwa and Austine Opitso (independent).
Edited by A.N
