Voting exercise in the Bungoma by-election began early Thursday, December 8 morning, with polling stations opening at 6 a.m. across the county.
The by–election came after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced a vacancy in the position following Moses Wetangula’s appointment as National Assembly speaker.
Wetangula had been elected as Bungoma county senator in the August 9 polls.
Moreover, as of the morning, voters appeared in small numbers at polling stations, to cast their votes.
The National Assembly speaker, shortly after casting his vote, urged area residents to vote, expressing confidence that the turnout would increase throughout the day.
“I have no doubt that the turnout will exceed 50% which is good in a by-election. I encourage voters to turn out and exercise their constitutional rights and elect the person they would want to be their senator,” he said.
Also Read: Bungoma Senate Campaign Period Comes to an End
Nonetheless, the Bungoma Senatorial seat attracted 11 candidates, including Wafula Wamunyinyi of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga running on a UDA ticket, and Wafula Wakoli of Ford Kenya.
Others include Elias Barasa of People’s Empowerment Party, Fredrick Busolo (Vibrant Democracy Party), Aaron Wafula (Republican Liberty Party), Geofrey Barasa (National Ordinary People Empowerment Union) and Robert Sifuna (Roots Party of Kenya). Â
Furthermore, contesting as independent candidates are Enock Opara, Julius Masinde and Radon Munoko. Â
Meanwhile, the IEBC is holding five other by-elections in Narok, Kitui, Nairobi City, Kakamega, and Siaya County Assemblies for Ololmasani, Kyome/Thaana, Utawala, and Mumias North and South Gem Wards.
