Steady voter turnout marks start of Kasipul, Ugunja by-elections
In Kasipul, the main contenders are ODM’s Boyd Were and independent candidate Philip Aroko, though seven other candidates are vying for the seat.
Thursday morning saw voters in Kasipul and Ugunja arriving steadily at polling centres to participate in the by-elections, with security personnel maintaining strict oversight.
In Kasipul, small but consistent lines formed outside schools and community halls designated for voting.
More To Read
- MP Kaluma injured as bodyguard loses gun in Kasipul poll chaos
- DAP-K’s Seth Panyako alleges assassination attempt, claims attack targeted his family
- Voting underway in Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North and Banisa
- By-elections: KNCHR warns of rising tension as voting kicks off in 24 contested areas
- Security roadblocks set up across Embu ahead of Mbeere North by-election as UDA alleges opposition plot to intimidate voters
- Murkomen warns politicians against deploying supporters to by-election tallying centres
Election staff guided residents through the verification process, handed out ballot papers, and monitored voting booths as police ensured order around the stations.
Ugunja witnessed a similar turnout, with groups of early voters queuing before heading to work or other daily responsibilities.
Clerks checked names against voter registers, issued ballots, and directed electors to the booths while security officers patrolled the premises.
Reports from election officials indicate that the process has proceeded smoothly with no major incidents so far. Authorities expect voter participation to increase as the day continues.
The Ugunja seat became vacant after former MP Opiyo Wandayi was appointed Energy Cabinet Secretary.
11 candidates have been approved by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), but attention has largely focused on ODM’s Moses Omondi and several newcomers promising change from conventional politics.
Omondi, who previously managed the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), is relying on ODM’s strong presence in the constituency and a message of continuity in service delivery.
His campaign emphasises completing stalled infrastructure projects and maintaining Ugunja’s influence in Siaya County politics.
Challengers, including KANU’s Chris Budo, are highlighting accountability and economic empowerment initiatives targeting youth and local small businesses.
In Kasipul, the main contenders are ODM’s Boyd Were and independent candidate Philip Aroko, though seven other candidates are vying for the seat.
Supporters of Were and Aroko have clashed in the past, leading the IEBC to intervene, penalise both candidates KSh1 million each, and reinforce rules for peaceful campaigning.
The full list of Kasipul candidates includes: Boyd Were (ODM), Philip Aroko (Independent), Collins Okeyo (Movement for Democracy and Growth), Money Bior/Robert Riaga (Independent), Rateng Okoth Kotiende (United Progressive Alliance), Abok Isaac Kiche (Kenya Moja Movement), Ishmael Omondi Koyoo (National Liberal Party), Linda Aoko (Independent), and Robert Ouko Ouma (Labour Party of Kenya).
Kasipul has 67,513 registered voters according to 2022 IEBC figures.
Voting is taking place across East Kamagak, West Kamagak, Central Kamagak, South Kamagak, and West Kasipul wards. Security and election officials remain vigilant to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted voting process throughout the day.
Top Stories Today
