LIVE blog: Test for IEBC as by-elections begin

Malava MP aspirant Seth Panyako claims that unidentified individuals attempted to intimidate him at a hotel in Kakamega, alleging that police had planned a raid that never took place.

He further accused political rivals of using numerous vehicles to threaten voters and said some of his aides, including his driver, were attacked by unknown persons yesterday.

Panyako added that these incidents are part of a campaign to force him out of the Malava parliamentary race.

The voting exercise to elect a new Member of Parliament for Ugunja Constituency in Siaya County kicked off early this morning.
The by-election seeks to fill the vacancy left by Opiyo Wandayi, who was appointed earlier this year by President William Ruto as the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum.

IEBC Returning Officer for Ugunja Constituency, Dennis Omari, told journalists at Ambira Boys High School— the main tallying centre — that the process had started smoothly and was progressing well.

Siaya County Police Commander Samuel Kobina assured residents of adequate security and warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the exercise would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

On the eve of Thursday's by-elections, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has urged political leaders to stop rallying supporters to “protect votes”, saying the work of securing the process rests entirely with state agencies.

Murkomen said he has been troubled by growing calls from some politicians asking their supporters to remain at polling or tallying centres in the name of safeguarding their votes.