IEBC outlines plans for Malindi, Kericho by-elections

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has exuded confidence in conducting free and fair elections in the Malindi and Kericho by-elections.

In two separate press briefings held in the two regions, IEBC stated that it had put in place adequate measures to ensure the by-elections slated for Monday are held in a transparent and satisfactory manner.

Addressing the press in Kericho, the county’s Returning Officer Moses Sunkuli said 300 security officers have been deployed in various polling centres in the county ahead of the Monday’s Senatorial by-election.

Sunkuli said that 4,529 staff members will handle the elections, adding that tests have been conducted on the electronic transmission of results.

“Election materials are in Ainamoi but the distribution process has commenced. Voting will begin at 6am and end at 5pm on Monday,” he said.

Other IEBC officials present during the briefing include CEO Ezra Chiloba, vice chair Lilian Mahiri-Zaja, County’s Deputy Returning Officer Daisy Ronoh and Commissioner Alawi Sharawe.

The commission also announced that Kericho Tea Secondary School will be used as the main tallying centre with 623 polling stations set aside for the by-election.

So far six candidates have been cleared to run in the mini-polls though focus will be on Jubilee candidate Aaron Cheruiyot and Kanu’s Paul Sang.

In Malindi, IEBC confirmed that all the 100 polling stations will receive the voting material by Sunday evening with 550 IEBC officials dispatched to conduct the parliamentary by-election.

The commission exuded confidence in handling the by-election in a free and fair manner devoid of hitches.

IEBC Commissioner Thomas Letangule said everything is in place ahead of the polls, adding that polling stations will open at 6am and close at 5pm with the results expected by 8pm.

Letangule confirmed that the names of all the seven candidates will be on the ballot, despite the withdrawal of two candidates from the race.

Focus in Malindi will be on two main contenders; ODM’s William Baraka Mtengo and Jubilee’s Phillip Charo.

Political temperatures in Malindi and Kericho hit a level high on Saturday during the final day of campaigns with the rival camps launching last minute hunt for votes.

While Jubilee is facing a political onslaught from Kanu’s resurgence in Kericho, its popularity is also facing a litmus test in Malindi where ODM commands a following.

The Malindi parliamentary seat was declared vacant after ODM’s Dan Kazungu was appointed Mining Cabinet Secretary while the Kericho Senate seat was left vacant following the appointment of Charles Keter as Energy CS in a cabinet reshuffle effected in December last year.

Contributors: Francis Gachuri & Alex Kubasu

@benjaminwafula