They expressed concerns that Gikaria, who had been deployed by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as an agent in the Rongai parliamentary vote, arguing that he would attempt to interfere with the election process.
Consequently, they abandoned the queues and demanded that the lawmaker leaves the station. Attempts by the MP-elect to address them proved futile.
“What does he want to tell us? He should leave!” the voters demanded before breaking into “Haki yetu!” chants.
Gikaria’s security guarded him from the crowd while leading him out of the premises. Police officers manning the station attempted to calm down the irate electorate but they would hear none of it.
The MP-elect was escorted by the uniformed officers to a safe distance from the station. He then proceeded on foot to the parking lot where his vehicle was.
UDA fielded Paul Chebor in a bid to oust incumbent Raymond Moi who has already cast his ballot at the Mercy Njeri Primary School.
Also in the race is Chama Cha Mashinani’s (CCM), Luka Kigen.
Speaking to the press after the exercise, Moi cried foul, stating that the contest was not fair. He accused opponents of trying to solicit and intimidate voters with the intention of rigging him out.
“Elected leaders and their mobilizers in the name of ward agents are out there to attempt to intimidate voters so that their parties will take the day.
“We have them all over dishing out money to the public 500 metres from the polling stations. They are breaking the law because the campaign period lapsed 48 hours ago,” Moi stated.
On August 9, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) suspended voting in Rongai constituency after there was a mix up in the printing of ballot papers.
The Commission is also holding elections in Mombasa and Kakamega counties (gubernatorial), Pokot South, Kitui Rural and Kacheliba constituencies.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE
