Narok: The Jubilee candidate in the Narok Town ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) by-election, Joshua Ole Kaputa, has raised concerns over alleged voter-bribery, urging authorities to ensure that those involved are brought to book. Speaking during a press briefing shortly after casting his vote at Olooltotoo primary school, Kaputa condemned the act, stating that it is a threat to the integrity of the electoral process and that voters ought to be given a chance to elect the leader they prefer for the position.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kaputa highlighted that he had already identified two polling stations where the alleged voter-bribery was taking place and called on the concerned security and electoral agencies to take action promptly. Meanwhile, voters in the ward expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), noting that the process began on time and was running smoothly.
At Masikonde secondary school, a voter, Anthony Torome, praised the efforts of the IEBC officials at the polling stations, who began operations at 5 am and had attended to many voters. Those experiencing hitches in the voting process have been assisted effectively, and thus the queues are moving quickly. Torome urged those yet to vote to come out and exercise their constitutional right, which will give them an opportunity to elect the MCA of their choice.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Lucas Kudate and has attracted 12 candidates, among them his son, Kanyinge Kudate, who is vying under the United Democratic Alliance party (UDA), Douglas Masikonde of Democracy for Citizens Party (DAP), Alfred Pere of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), among others.
