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Tubi brother floors elder sister in by-election sibling rivalry as UDA wins Isiolo South MP seat
Mohamed Tubi of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party declared the winner of the Isiolo South by-election, having received 7,352 votes.
The sibling rivalry in Isiolo South came to an end on Thursday night when Mohamed Tubi of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party was declared the winner, having received 7,352 votes.
Tubi, 36, the son of the late MP Tubi Bidu Mohamed, floored his elder sister Bina Mohamed of Jubilee Party, who managed 634 votes, while National Economic Development Party's Isaack Fayo, who dropped out of the race, got 44 votes.
Isiolo South Returning Officer Abdi Sheikh declared Tubi the winner after counting votes from 60 out of 61 polling stations, invalidating the Garbatulla Day Secondary School votes due to an irregularity.
The presiding officer from the station presented a Form 35A indicating that 261 people had voted, whereas the KIEMS kit had only validated 161 voters.
"As per election regulations number 83 (1) (C) Garbatula day Secondary school results are hereby invalidated," Mr Sheikh said.
The Isiolo South by-election was characterised by a low voter turnout, with residents and officials blaming this on voter apathy and the Ramadhan season.
However, the majority of the 61 polling stations opened early without technical hitches.
IEBC Commissioner Hassan Noor earlier said most of the polling stations were recording up to 30 percent voter turnout.
"The turnout is largely attributed to observance of the month of Ramadhan. Due to the draught situation, many people have also relocated," Mr Noor said.
Voting in some polling stations within Kinna Ward was also hit by migration of residents in search of water and pasture.
According to Mr Fredrick Ojiro, the head of Vocal Africa Election Observation Group, the long distance of polling centres as well as the limited movement during Ramadhan had affected the turnout.
"In most of the stations we have visited, the turnout is between 14 and 16 per cent, which is too low. By noon, there were no voters in the queues. This also points to the effects of drought, insufficient sensitisation and a lack of motivation among voters," Mr Ojiro said.
Mr Tubi, who spoke after being declared winner, said he was focused on securing his father's legacy.
"I am very pleased that we had a smooth by-election despite the low voter turnout. I thank the people of Isiolo for believing in me," Mr Tubi said.
He extended an olive branch to his sister Bina, saying political differences wouldn't deter them from being siblings.
Tubi had received backing from all senior politicians in Isiolo county, who traversed the constituency to rally residents in his support.
The MP elect was endorsed by clan elders immediately after his father was laid to rest, giving him an upper hand over his rivals.
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