Uriri MP Organizes Football Matches For Migori Residents Who Boycotted Election

Uriri MP Mark Nyamita has organized a football tournament for residents who boycotted the repeat presidential election.

Polling stations in Migori county were closed as residents heeded to the calls of the opposition to not participate in the polls.

“We started the games at 9 am. In my constituency, there was zero election and I organized games for youths on this free holiday,” the Uriri MP told journalists.

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Youths in the region barricaded roads with stones, electricity polls and bonfires to prevent IEBC staff from accessing or delivering voting materials.

Uriri returning officer Benson Ambuko said by as late as 9am voting clerks, presiding officers, and deputy presiding officers had failed to show up.

“Business people hired to transport materials to polling centers failed to turn up for fear of their vehicles being attacked by youths,” Ambuko said.

Suna West returning officer Julius Mwita said no voting took place in his area over similar challenges.

It was reported that by IEBC officials that youth went from house to house over the weekend threatening recruited electoral staff over their participation in the exercise.

“[Electoral staff] were told to ensure they carry their houses with them to preside over the election because they will be torched when they leave,” an official said.

Voting in most Luo constituencies remained closed with all polling centers in Uriri, Rongo, Awendo, Nyatike, Suna East and Suna West centers not opening.

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However, in Kuria West and Kuria East, where there were no anti-IEBC demonstrations, voting continued smoothly although with a relatively low turnout.

Joseph Ng’eno, Kuria West returning officer said voting in the area started by 6am with all 117 polling centers opening in a peaceful process.

“The turnout has been poor, but as the day progress, we hope for more. We will close the centers at 5pm and proceed with tallying at Kehancha town,” Ng’eno said.