‘Curse threat’ from elders keeps voters away from polling centres
Residents of Longewan and Logorate areas in Samburu West boycotted the repeat presidential election on Thursday, citing a stern warning by elders not to participate in the exercise.
A resident, Mr Simon Lemeteki, said elders threatened to curse anyone found or seen at any polling station.
Most polling centers in Maralal recorded a poor turnout including Maralal DEB Primary, Kenyatta Stadium, Social Hall, Equity bank, PCEA and Madrassa as voters kept off.
In Kisima, Samburu West, residents kept off polling stations, protesting an attack on Kisima Primary School polling station Presiding Officer by a senior administration officer on Wednesday night.
Voters, mainly the youths boycotted the exercise, calling for the arrest of the officer who is said to have assaulted the IEBC official immediately after the team delivered election materials at Kisima AP line.
LOW VOTER TURNOUT
Samburu Woman Representative Ms Maison Leshoomo called for the immediate arrest of the officer to establish the motive for his actions.
In Wamba and Archers Post in Samburu East and its environs, most residents did not participate in the exercise as a result of drought and famine.
According to Ms Leshoomo, the drought in the county forced most residents to leave their homes in search for pasture, water and food.
Security has been beefed up across all the centers, with no incident or interference from opposition supporters being reported.
Streets within Maralal town were near deserted with most of the residents choosing to remain indoors.
Nominated MCA Adan Dube, who cast his vote at Kenyatta Stadium Polling station in Maralal town, said he was shocked with the low voter turnout.