Kenya stands to hold repeat polls in opposition strongholds
Around some counties in Kenya where Raila Odinga, the main opposition party leader holds the most number of supporters, the election repeat still seems as of now impossible to take place.
Kenya started holding election re-run on Thursday 26 October just as earlier ruled by the Supreme Court after it had nullified the August polls’ results. The Court sighted irregularities and illegalities in the August polls after Raila Odinga’s petition, and so nullified it.
The Thursday election in Kenya seemed to have been a success however, not in some parts where Raila Odinga seems to have fully dominated.
It is reported that the residents of some counties disrupted the election and the officials could not help it but hold it.
Wafula Chebukati, the IEBC chairperson had announced that the repeat polls in counties, that where the residents blocked roads, fought with the police and didn’t allow any IEBC official to cross, the election would be done on Saturday.
However, on Friday, the chairperson announced that due to different possibilities for the election to still be disrupted, the polls in Mr. Odinga strongholds would continue to be on hold until a day that is yet to be announced.
‘IEBC has deliberated on the various incidents happening around the country and has postponed the elections scheduled to would have taken place on Saturday, 28 October, to another date scheduled to be announced.’ Mr. Chebukati informed the press.
Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Migori are some of the places where election hasn’t been able to be conducted. Residents in these places have fought with the police tooth and nail. They blocked the roads, lit tires in a bid to bar the electoral members from acquiring access to their areas.
The protestors are being backed and motivated by Raila Odinga, the NASA leader – sources confirm.
Mr. Odinga met with the protestors on Friday and congratulated them for the work done of boycotting the polls and promised to pay for the damage made in their counties.
‘I am here because of the theft and destruction that happened here. They damaged and burnt everything. This is barbaric,’ Odinga said.
‘On Thursday, all Kenyans heeded to our plea and didn’t participate in the elections. I urge you to also stay away on the Saturday elections. We will repair this school within a week.’ Mr. Odinga was quoted as addressing his supporters on Friday.
The IEBC informed that it is just below 35% of the Kenyans that have so far gone to the polls and Uhuru Kenyatta is leading the race by 97 percent.
The election, according to the Supreme Court ruling, is supposed to end by 31 October.
Correspondent: Shamilah Namuddu
