Meller Luchiri, the wife of Roots Presidential Candidate George Luchiri Wajackoyah, expressed frustrations after her husband failed to cast his vote after the elections technology kits deployed to his polling station failed to work.
Meller, who accompanied Wajackoyah to the Indangalasia Primary School polling station in Matungu constituency at around quarter past 10am to cast his ballot on Tuesday, August 9, accused the Commission of mischief.
According to Meller, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ought to have made prior preparation to avoid last-minute hitches, denying some voters a chance to exercise their democratic right.
"I was not really expecting this. It is very disappointing for machines not to be working on the day that is most important to the lives of Kenyans," Meller stated.
"However, no weapon formed against us the people of God and the people of Kenya shall prosper."
Meller reached out to Wajackoyah's supporters who were equally frustrated to maintain their cool as IEBC fixes the mess.
"So you all remain vigilant, cool and calm and we will see this thing to the end," Meller appealed to the supporters.
Wajackoyah failed to vote after IEBC officials informed him that Kenya Integrated Elections Management Systems (KIEMS) kits had stopped working, and had requested direction from the headquarters.
"You would have started from here. But we are experiencing a challenge. The problem is with the machine. There is nothing we can do (now). We have communicated to the headquarters, and they said they are coming. If it is okay, voters will be given their 11 hours from the time we start," an IEBC official told Wajackoyah.
The scholar - who has been advocating for legalisation of Marijuana for medical purposes - pointed accusing fingers at the electoral body for failing to ensure the process runs smoothly in his perceived stronghold.
"I am very disappointed. Most of my strongholds have not voted. Why in my strongholds?" Wajackoyah wondered.
"Why could they not test the kit, or do they want us to go to court? I was to fly back this afternoon but now I have to buy another ticket," Wajackoyah added.
