Mbeere North: Justin Muturi in physical confrontation as UDA, opposition side trade accusations of voter bribery
Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi addresses journalists after casting his ballot at Kanyuambora Primary School polling centre during the Mbeere North by-election.
Candidates and supporters from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the United Opposition traded accusations of massive voter bribery as voting got underway in the Mbeere North by-election.
This was amid tight security as UDA and opposition parties took matters into their own hands, putting in place strict measures to guard their votes. They stationed agents in all polling stations, with some tallying all voters who turned up to cast their ballot.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, Mbeere North candidate Leonard Wamuthende (UDA) and Duncan Mbui of Chama cha Kazi all claimed there was open voter bribery.
“We have witnessed this in many areas and we call on the IEBC to be strict so as to have a credible election," Mr Wamuthende said.
CS Ruku and Mr Muturi also traded accusations, with each blaming the opposite side for bribery and chaos that rocked some areas.
CS Ruku made reference to chaos that erupted at Siakago Hall polling station where Mr Muturi and his supporters roughed up two people they accused of wearing attire associated with ruling party colours.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku displays his inked finger after voting at Gitiburi polling centre in Mbeere North.
Muturi roughs up two men
Mr Muturi, who previously served as Public Service Cabinet Secretary before he was fired by President William Ruto, spotted one of the alleged "vote bribers" wearing a yellow hood and pushed him out of the polling station.
Reinforced by his supporters, Mr Muturi roughed up the man and ordered him to leave the area.
Outside the polling station, the DP leader grabbed another man in a red jacket and roughed him up together with his supporters. He claimed the men were supporters of UDA and accused them of trying to influence voting.
Mr Muturi reiterated that they would ensure their votes were not stolen.
“We want to tell our people that we will ensure each vote counts. We will not be intimidated by anybody and we will ensure that our candidate’s votes are intact,” he said.
The by-election kicked off at around 5am at Kanyuambora Low Cost Boarding Primary School and Kiathambu.
At Kiathambu, Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) candidate Duncan Mbui expressed fears that the poll will not free and fair.
Duncan Mbui of Chama Cha Kazi votes at Giathambo Primary School during Mbeere North by-election.
On Tuesday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki held meetings with agents and other officials who were instructed to mobilise voters.
