Voter bribery claims in Gaturi by election
Claims of voter bribery have cropped up in the ongoing Gaturi by election in Kiharu, Murang'a, that started early morning on Tuesday.
Rosemary Wakuthie, a candidate on Jubilee party ticket claimed some of her opponents were dishing out money to people near the polling stations.
She claimed to have witnessed voter bribery in about five polling centres and raised the matter with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC) returning officer.
"I have also been told by my agents that in several other places the same was being done and I think it's only fair if necessary action is taken," said Wakuthie.
"People should be allowed to vote the leader of their choice without being manipulated," she added.
Ester Mwihaki, another contestant claimed that voters were being sourced from outside the ward.
She said IEBC should verify the voters register and ensure only Gaturi residents are voting.
However, IEBC returning officer Faith Mugo said she had no received any complaints on voter bribery and transportation.
She said each candidate has their agents on the ground and there are police officers who can handle such matters if they arise.
She also said the turn out is poor as it is below 50 per cent
Eight candidates are vying for this position after the demise of the former ward representative Kiiru Mwangi in September.
The eight are scrambling for 18,834 votes.
The stiff competition however is between Wakuthie and Mwihaki, both of them are trying their luck for the second time.
