This archive report was first published on 18 May 2021.
On May 18, 2021, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was set to close all polling stations and conclude the voting exercise in the Bonchari Constituency by-election.
However, the process was marred by allegations of voter bribery. Police in Kisii County arrested several individuals in connection with the claims.
Nyanza Regional Police Commander Karanja Muiruri spoke to the press at Nyamiobo Primary School Polling Station in Riana Ward, Kisii County. He stated that the police were investigating claims of voter bribery, which allegedly occurred since Monday night and Tuesday morning.
According to Muiruri, the money allegedly used for bribing voters was in police custody. He reassured the public that the heavy police presence was necessary to ensure security and peaceful elections.
Ms. Nerea Aketch, an ODM Party agent for Nyamiobo Primary School Polling Station, accused Jubilee Party's candidate, Zebedeo Opore's agents of bribing voters in the morning.
Low voter turnout was experienced at Nyamare Polling Station in the same Ward, prompting ODM candidate Pavel Oimeke to urge voters to come out and cast their ballots.
Earlier in the day, UDA candidate Teresa Bitutu cast her vote at Suneka Primary School polling station in Kisii South Sub-county, while Opore voted at Nyamiobo Primary School Polling Station.
By Erastus Michieka
