By S, KNA
By-elections for the Evurore and Muminji Wards in Mbeere North Constituency, Embu County held today recorded unusually low voter turnout.
At Kanyuambora Primary School in Evurore Ward that has the highest number of registered voters, only a handful of voters could be seen walking in to cast their ballots.
Despite the turnout, election officials said the process was moving on smoothly, with materials delivered on time and security personnel stationed across the ward.
Constituency Returning Officer James Mwangi said some stations which voting a bit late will be compensated through extension of time after the official closure of voting at 5pm.
Democratic Party (DP leader Justin Muturi, who cast his vote at Kanyuambora Primary School, alleged that the low turnout could be linked to voter bribery.
“There is bribery by the Government. Some people have been planted in various areas to bribe voters not to vote,” Muturi claimed shortly after voting.
He added that people should be allowed to exercise their democratic right freely without interference or intimidation.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Duncan Muratia Nyaga also voted at the same polling station, expressing optimism of winning the seat that fell vacant after immediate former MCA Duncan Mbui resigned to contest for the parliamentary by-election late last year but lost.
I am confident that I will win this by-election. I urge voters to come out in large numbers and vote,” Muratia said.
On his part, former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti said he was impressed with how the process was being conducted, but raised concerns over the low turnout.
“So far, the process is smooth and peaceful, and that is commendable, however there is low turnout and that raises questions. There are also some suspicious vehicles moving around Evurore Ward and they need to be investigated,” Kivuti said.