Governor Waiguru notes encouraging participation amid delays in UDA grassroots polls

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru says United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections recorded impressive voter turnout despite many polling stations opening late.

Waiguru, who cast her vote at Kiamugumo Primary School at around 2:30 p.m., said the delay in opening the polling stations had affected overall turnout.

The Governor noted that many of the polling stations recorded an average of about 200 voters, saying the turnout was proof that the party still enjoys strong grassroots support.

“Bearing in mind this was not a general election but a party election, we take the turnout as encouraging, and proof that the party has solid support on the ground,” she said.

She added that some polling centres opened as late as 2 p.m., by which time voters who had shown up early had given up and left.

“We are hopeful that today’s elections will be conducted in a credible manner. The exercise was scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at 3:00 p.m. However, presiding officers arrived at some polling stations around 2 p.m.,” Waiguru said.

The Governor also noted that several voters’ names and candidates were missing in the party register and urged a system upgrade to ensure accuracy.

Voters queuing to vote at Kiamugumo polling station in Kirinyaga during UDA grassroots elections/ALICE WAITHERA 

Waiguru, who is also a UDA party member, said that by midday, presiding officers had not arrived at many polling stations in Mwea, Gichugu, and Kirinyaga Central constituencies.

By 12 noon, voting had not commenced at Thome, Ciagini, Gatwiri, Gategi B, and Marurumo polling stations in Wamumu Ward due to absent presiding officers, while in Nyangati Ward, voting had not started at Kutus Primary, Kutus Secondary, and St. Paul Primary schools.

A similar scenario was witnessed at Diffathas, Gathigi-ini, Ikurungu, Itangi, Ithiga Ria Njuki, Kadawa, Karuangi, Mathiga Primary, Miatuini Primary, Mugamba–Ciura Primary, Togonye Factory, Togonye Primary, Urumandi, Mumbuini, and Murinduko Primary in Murinduko Ward.

In Gichugu Constituency, Gathoge Polling Station lacked a presiding officer, and the same was observed at Mutito in Kirinyaga Central Constituency.

Waiguru said she had called party top officials to extend the voting deadline from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

However, Waiguru said the elections proceeded smoothly without interruption.

The second-term Governor called for more dialogue and consultations within the party to strengthen its internal systems and revamp operations across the country.

The Governor expressed confidence that her lineup will win the elections. She, however, pledged to unite all members after the polls.

On Mt. Kenya region politics, Waiguru urged residents to remain united within the ruling party and not be persuaded to join the opposition.

She said development and political interests for Mt. Kenya are more secure under President William Ruto’s government, noting that the region had overwhelmingly supported it.

“Politics is about interests. We must shun emotions and think logically about where our region’s interests are best served. This region is already well represented in the Kenya Kwanza Government, and any attempt to move out may leave us politically sidelined for many years,” she cautioned.