Tension as rival camps clash in Mbeere North polls
The election day drama intensified when DP leader and former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi confronted a man from neighbouring Nyeri, MCA Kiruga Thuku, who had entered a polling station dressed in UDA party colours.
Voting in Mbeere North Constituency on Thursday was overshadowed by claims of voter bribery as candidates and party leaders accused each other of attempting to influence voters.
The tension between the UDA candidate, the Democracy for the Citizens Party candidate and their supporters escalated as polling continued smoothly under heavy security.
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UDA candidate Leo Wa Muthende alleged that his DCP rival, Newton 'Karish' Kariuki, was distributing cash to voters in certain areas, though he expressed confidence that the electorate would not be swayed.
“There are places they are attempting to give voters Sh100 or Sh200, and I will give you the list later, especially in Evurore ward,” Wa Muthende said shortly after casting his vote.
The election day drama intensified when DP leader and former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi confronted a man from neighbouring Nyeri, MCA Kiruga Thuku, who had entered a polling station dressed in UDA party colours.
Muturi insisted that the individual’s attire breached electoral regulations, stating: “We ordered him (Thuku) out. Even if he is an accredited agent, he can’t show up in party colours.”
Muturi’s team further alleged that Thuku was attempting to bribe voters.
Muturi, who cast his vote at Kanyuambora Primary School, described the overall voting atmosphere as calm and orderly.
“I can confirm that the process is smooth, calm and moving efficiently. Even with the heavy police presence meant to instil fear and discourage participation, the people of Mbeere remain unmoved,” he said.
Early in the day, security personnel were deployed across the constituency to ensure order and provide reassurance, creating a controlled environment that contributed to a steady voter turnout.
Polling stations opened at 6 am, and voters were seen moving through verification desks in an organised manner before casting their ballots.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed that voting would continue until 5 pm, with any lost time at specific stations compensated accordingly, ensuring all voters in line by closing time would cast their votes.
Muturi emphasised the need for adherence to election rules and condemned the presence of political branding within polling stations.
“Election Day is not a campaign stage, and polling stations are not theatres for party branding,” he said.
He described the situation as an opportunity to reinforce the law, adding, “I made it very clear, not here, not today.”
The individual in question was removed from the polling station, and Muturi reiterated that all leaders and voters must respect the boundaries of Election Day.
“I will continue standing with my people, protecting their vote and defending the integrity of this process. No uniform, no colour, no noise will overturn the will of the voter,” he said, praising the strong turnout.
Muturi expressed confidence that the electorate would make an informed choice. “Mbeere has spoken before. Mbeere will speak again. And today the ballot will speak the loudest!”
The DP candidate, Newton Karish, is contesting the parliamentary seat against Wa Muthende and several other aspirants, as voting proceeds under heightened scrutiny and vigilance.
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