Bungoma By-election: Azimio Candidate Wamunyinyi Accuses Ford Kenya of Plot to Rig Polls

• Independent Boundaries and Electoral Commission (IEBC) are conducting a senatorial by-election in Bungoma county
• Wafula Wamunyinyi, a candidate in the election, alleged that Ford Kenya agents were found in possession of marked ballot papers
• He called on the electoral body to take action against the party led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party candidate Wafula Wamunyinyi has called on IEBC to take action against the Ford Kenya party accusing them of electoral fraud in Bungoma senatorial by-election.

After casting his vote, Wamunyinyi alleged that some Ford Kenya agents were found in possession of marked ballot papers.

“Nimesikitika kusikia kwamba watu wa Ford Kenya walikuwa na marked ballots, ambazo zilichomwa, na wananchi. ( I am saddened to hear that Ford Kenya agents were found with marked ballot papers that were later destroyed by the public),” Wamunyinyi said.

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At the same time, the former Kanduyi MP called on Bungoma county residents to come out in large numbers to exercise their constitutional right to elect their leader.

“We are appealing to our people; it is our right, it is their right, to get someone to the senate to represent this county,” he added.

Wafula Wakoli denies rigging claims

However, speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Ford-Kenya candidate Wafula Wakoli termed the allegations by Wamunyinyi as unfounded.

Wakoli, who is seen as the favourite to win the seat, asked the Azimio candidate to report the matter to the police rather than resort to spreading lies to the public.

“Those are very unfortunate remarks from Wamunyinyi. If he has evidence, he should report it to the police an allow the law to take its course,” Wakoli said.

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According to Wakoli, the election exercise was peaceful, adding that Wamunyinyi only showed signs of someone who had sensed defeat.

“We are determined to win the seat, therefore we have not time for sideshows, if they have issues let them engage IEBC,” he added.

Moses Wetang’ula on the spot

The involvement of Wetang’ula in the Bungoma by-election campaigns for Wakoli had raised concern over his impartiality in steering Parliament.

A group of Bungoma politicians rallying behind the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Mwambu Mabonga called out Wetang’ula on what they termed as taking political sides in the contest.

Led by MPs Fred Kapondi (Mt Elgon), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West) and MCAs Henry Nyongesa (Bumula) and Orize Kundu MCA (Siboti), the leaders had told Wetang’ula to keep off the campaigns.

“During the August 9 campaigns, we were cautioned against supporting a project (Raila Odinga) and so we voted for President William Ruto who in turn ensured that Wetang’ula became the Speaker and third in command despite having only six MPs in his Ford Kenya,” Kapondi said.

Source: TUKO.co.ke