• The long queues associated with some polling stations were missing as voters trickled into voting stations one by one.
• Some people intimidated voters who were entering the voting area.
Image: /HILTON OTENYO
Cases of violence, voter bribery, intimidation and low turnout characterised the Kakamega governor's vote on Monday.
Candidates complained of widespread voter bribery during voting.
Low voter turnout was registered across most polling stations in the county.
The long queues associated with some polling stations were missing as voters trickled into voting stations one by one.
In Khwisero, ODM candidate Fernandes Barasa's supporters clashed with those of his ANC rival Cleophas Malala. Police intervened.
People associated with a businessman from the area allegedly attempted to kidnap a youth outside Muliro Gardens polling centre in Kakamega town.
They intimidated voters who were entering the voting area.
IEBC officials had to call for security reinforcements by the General Service Unit to repulse youth who were intimidating voters entering the station.
A vehicle was smashed at Bukhungu polling station as Malala cast his vote over suspicions that the occupant was bribing voters.
Barasa said the election was marred by widespread voter bribery.
“We have evidence and we have reported the matter to the authorities to take action so that people are left to choose their governor freely,” he said.
However, Malala said the election was largely peaceful, albeit for bribery of voters.
He said he was confident of victory despite the low turnout.
MDP candidate Samuel Omukoko said the election process was effective and largely peaceful.
“I was surprised that some candidates did not have agents in most polling stations,” he said.
Omukoko said voter bribery was rampant, blaming big parties for deploying money instead of selling policies.
Kakamega county returning officer Joseph Ayata said bribery had been reported but the commission informed police to act.
“Yes bribery was reported by various players, but you know that is the work of the police. We are, however, doing well so far,” Ayata said.
Osundwa said Kenya Kwanza and Azimio political formations had shipped violence to Kakamega.
The Kakamega race also featured UDP's Cyrus Jirongo, Suleiman Sumba of Kanu, Michael Osundwa (independent) and Optiso Otieno (independent).
The Kakamega governor elections together with Mombasa and four parliamentary polls and two MCA elections were suspended on August 9 following a mix-up in ballot papers.
Edited by A.N