Jubilee calls off primaries in 12 counties after massive logistical challenges

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party has called off primaries in Nakuru, Narok, Kajiado, Bomet, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Embu and Baringo Counties.

While citing anomalies that are not acceptable during the process, party’s Secretary General, Raphael Tuju, further announced the partial cancellation in some parts of Kiambu, Laikipia, Meru and West Pokot.

“Voting in Kiambu, Laikipia, Meru and West Pokot has been cancelled in limited number of constituencies and wards and the respective returning officers will be able to make the last call,” said Tuju.

While admitting of challenges in today’s (Friday, April 21) primaries, Tuju indicated that after consultations with the Jubilee leadership, the party will announce new dates soon.

Tuju, however, indicated that voting in Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri and Nyandarua was ongoing promising to monitor closely the integrity of the process.

This comes even as confusion marred the process from dawn with poll officials in the affected counties with reports of irregularities in the distribution of ballot papers and delays of delivery of voting materials.

The party now says it will take all the necessary measure to avoid a repeat of the same before announcing the new dates.

“We still have the option of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to complete the process,” said National Elections Board Chair, Andrew Musangi.

Tuju further was keen to note that the party was using its membership register and that the IEBC register was just to verify the voter’s polling station.