Voters stranded as names missing in Msambweni by-election

A section of Msambweni voters in some polling stations on Tuesday morning were stranded and confused after they could not find their names in the voters' registration list.

Some were told they were not registered voters while others had to be referred to different polling centres.

A voter John Lewa said despite voting in 2017, and in the previous party nomination biometric showed he was a Kilifi North voter.

Lewa said he has been taken around since morning without a solution to his plight.

"I have moved in all these voting streams but I couldn't be assisted, " he said.

He was to cast vote in Mwakigwena primary polling station in Ukunda ward.

Lewa said he feels like his democratic rights have been violated.

Another voter Millicent Ogalo complained that her name could not be found in all the streams.

She said the voters' registration list had some names starting with the last and middle ones making it hard for them to vote on time.

Ogalo said some had left the station after being taken in circles.

The Msambweni voter said she would try to be persistent until her name is seen.

"I can't leave, they have to tell me where to find my name, " she said while battling tears.

According to ODM candidate Omar Boga, a little mayhem was witnessed in Mwaroni polling stations.

He said some people tried to disrupt the voting exercise but police restored order.

Boga, however, commended the IEBC saying they are well organised and the voting process is going on smoothly.

He told the residents to avoid circulated propaganda on votes rigging saying it was too early to raise such matters.

He called for peace as the voting exercise continues.

Independent candidate Feisal Bader is expected to cast his vote at Gazi polling station, United Green Movement party at Milalani primary.