Baringo: Residents of Baringo have been assured of a free and fair United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party senatorial nomination exercise. The UDA National Elections Board Chair Anthony Mwaura stated that adequate measures have been put in place to enhance credibility during the exercise, which is scheduled to be conducted in 975 polling stations on September 20.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mwaura mentioned that the party has prepared and addressed all logistical concerns raised by participants to ensure the fairness of the process. He assured the people of Baringo that the nomination would be seamless, fair, and verifiable, and expressed confidence that no logistical challenges would arise.
Mwaura explained that voting stations will open from 8 am to 5 pm, with results being announced immediately afterward due to the adoption of a new electronic voting system, replacing traditional ballot boxes and papers. He announced that the campaign period would end at midnight on Thursday, and electronic gadgets in the form of tablets would arrive in the county on Wednesday, ready to be handed over to presiding and returning officers on the day of the election.
The ten candidates vying for the seat left vacant following the demise of William Cheptumo will submit a list of 108 agents who will be trained on Friday in preparation for the exercise. The winner is expected to be known shortly after 7 pm on the evening of the nomination day.
Mwaura addressed concerns about potential network challenges within the county by noting that the new technology is only required during the relaying of results, which can be done at the nearest locality with network availability. He also challenged other parties and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to embrace the new system to save time and resources, particularly in avoiding the traditional overnight vote counting.
The candidates contesting for the senatorial seat include Wycliffe Tobole, Kiprono Chemitei, Daniel Kiptoo, Evans Mundulel, Sylus Tochim, Joseph Cherutoi, Reuben Chepsongol, Linus Kamket, Isaiah Kirukmet, and Masaa Kibet.