ODM nominations in Kisumu begin smoothly

ODM party nominations started smoothly in most polling stations in Kisumu Central Constituency.

The voting exercise started at about 7 am in various polling stations.

At Xaverian primary school, voting went on smoothly without any reported hitch.  

Market Milimani MCA aspirants Hellen Apiyo and George Abwajo were at the polling stations to monitor their agents who are overseeing the voting process. 

They appealed to voters to vote peacefully and shun any form of violence.

"We should not fight each other. Let voters elect leaders of their choice," Apiyo said.

Abwajo cast his vote at Jomo Kenyatta sports ground.

Kondele roundabout polling station recorded a high voter turnout but the gadget failed.

At Ofafa Hall and Mama Grace Onyango Social Hall voting was ongoing peacefully. 

Election observers in Kisumu county led by Transform Empowerment for Action Initiative Executive Director George Owuor lauded the process, saying it was going on well.

He said in the polling stations no cases have so far been reported. 

Former Kisumu Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga cast her vote at Xaverian Primary School. She called for peaceful voting and unity.

Ruth decried low voter turnout due to the merging of polling stations but remained optimistic that voters will turn up.

"We all wanted nominations and let people vote peacefully," she said.

At Xaverian Primary School, a man was arrested for causing violence. 

Nyanza Regional Police commander Karanja Muiruri led a team of officers to monitor the voting process in the region. He visited various polling stations. 

Kisumu county police commander Alphonce Kimathi said they have deployed enough security in all the polling stations in the county.

In Nyakach and Muhoroni constituencies started well. Kimathi said so far the exercise was peaceful. 

ODM National Elections Board commissioner Nchoe Syntei was supervising the process in the county.