The ongoing by-election in Kariobangi North Ward has recorded a low voter turnout. The exercise, which began at 6.00am has been peaceful with heavy police presence observed in the five centres across the ward.
However, allegations of bribery, goons and intimidation have overshadowed the process.
ODM candidate Michael Ouma Majua said that since today is Thursday, many voters opted to go to work and are likely to cast their ballots later in the evening.
"So far, the exercise is okay, but we have had minor cases of voter bribery here and there. We are waiting to see how things unfold by the end of the day. We are confident," Mr Ouma said.
Low voter turnout during the Kariobangi North by-election at the Kariobangi North Girls Secondary School polling station.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita|Nation Media Group
Jane Murungi Wangui, the ODM campaign leader in Kariobangi North, expressed confidence in the party’s win.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate David Warui Wanyoike also claimed that the low turnout is a result of fear among voters following rumours that goons had been deployed by a section of Nairobi leaders.
He further accused the government of handing out money to voters and urged the police to arrest individuals allegedly moving around polling stations to bribe the electorate.
Sixteen candidates are vying for the seat, which fell vacant following the death of MCA Joel Munuve in April this year.
In an interview with Nation, Kariobangi North Returning Officer Abdi Roba confirmed that all five polling centres opened on time and that the situation has remained calm.
