Ford-Kenya, Azimio Candidates Clash in Bungoma By-Election

Wamunyinyi Wetangula
A photo collage of Democratic Action Party of Kenya Party Leader Wafula Wamunyinyi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula.
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Azimio La Umoja candidate for Bungoma County Senatorial seat, Wafula Wamunyinyi, on Thursday, December 8, accused rival Ford Kenya of using marked ballot papers to rig the ongoing by-election.

Speaking to journalists after casting his ballot, Wamunyinyi claimed that several Ford Kenya agents have sneaked marked ballot papers into the polling stations.

He warned Ford Kenya supporters of using crude ways to clinch victory in the race to succeed Moses Wetangula in Bungoma.

"I am shocked to discover that Ford Kenya agents had marked ballot papers within the polling stations," Wamunyinyi lamented.

Wafula Wamunyinyi in a past press conference. FILE
Wafula Wamunyinyi in a past press conference. FILE
Kenyans.co.ke

He revealed that members of the public have so far burnt fake ballot papers in Sirisia and Bumula, where some agents were caught with marked ballots.

The former Ford Kenya leader called on his supporters to take immediate action against those trying to subvert the people's will.

"We are appealing to our people to come out in large numbers to vote because it is their right to do so," Wamunyinyi asserted.

Furthermore, the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) party leader has called on residents of Bungoma County to protect their votes.

The by-election exercise began on a nervy footing after Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) biometrics kit failed to identify Speaker Moses Wetangula’s fingerprints.

Wetangula, who finally cast his ballot at Namakhele polling station in Kabuchai Constituency on Thursday, December 8, spent a lot of time trying to get identified by biometrics kit.

IEBC declared Bugoma senatorial seat vacant on September 7, after Wetangula resigned to contest for the National Assembly speaker position.

The National Assembly Speaker supported Ford Kenya Party candidate Mwalimu David Wakoli Wafula.

NA Speaker Moses Wetangula verifying voter details at IEBC biometrics kit on December 8, 2022
NA Speaker Moses Wetangula verifying voter details at IEBC biometrics kit on December 8, 2022
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Moses Wetangula