Voting in the Ugunja constituency by-election kicked off smoothly on Thursday morning, with polling stations opening at 6am and residents turning out early before heading to work.
During the morning hours, several centres reported steady but manageable streams of voters, with most casting their ballots and leaving immediately, resulting in no queues in many locations.
At Sidindi polling centre, a voter who had just completed the process told The Star he was relieved by the quick turnout.
“I came here by 7am so that I can vote and go about my business,” he said.
“People are coming in, voting and leaving. This is good. I hope the process continues like this until the end.”
However, at Siror Polling Center, voter traffic was noticeably heavier.
Long queues formed as residents, including the elderly, youth, and those abled differently patiently lined up to participate in the exercise.
Some voters were carried to the polling station by relatives, while others were transported in vehicles to ensure they did not miss the chance to cast their ballots.
10 candidates were cleared to run for the seat include Benson Obol Otieno (United Green Movement Party), Eric Ofiro (Jubilee Party), Vincent Olengo (Kenya Moja), Fredrick Ochiel (United Democratic Movement), Oliver Ochieng (National Liberal Party), Lilian Akinyi (National Alliance Party), Moses Omondi (ODM), Orodi Odhiambo (Wiper), Maurice Okumu (Liberal Party of Kenya), and Chrispine Budo (Kanu).
As time continues voting continued peacefully and efficiently across the constituency, with no major incidents reported.
Authorities expressed confidence that the exercise would proceed smoothly through the day as residents turned out steadily to choose their next Member of Parliament.
Polling stations across the country opened at 6:00am as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) kicked off another key electoral exercise, with officials assuring voters of a smooth and transparent process throughout the day.
According to IEBC guidelines, polling will continue uninterrupted until 5:00pm, with all eligible voters who join the queue by closing time permitted to cast their ballots.
Election officials reiterated that any time lost during the polling period whether due to technical challenges, delays in opening, or unavoidable interruptions will be fully recovered at the end of the day.
by FAITH MATETE
