Low voter turn out as candidates trade accusations in the Mathare mini poll

MATHARE, KENYA: Candidates in the Mathare mini poll accused each other of spreading leaflets alleging some contestants had withdraw from the race

Orange Democratic Movement's Steve Kariuki and The National Alliance's George Wanjohi blamed each other for using unorthodox means to win the parliamentary election left vacant following court ruling.

Wanjohi, the immediate former Mathare MP expressed confidence in winning the poll despite being accused by his political rival Kariuki of having spread propaganda that he was out of the race.

Asked if he was responsible for the alleged leaflets, Wanjohi dismissed his involvement in the dirty game and termed Kariuki's claims as 'kicks of a dying horse'.

"I am not involved in any illegal activity including spreading of any leaflets. Those accusations are the last kicks of a dying horse. He is the one who went overboard with serious propaganda that I cannot reveal," said Wanjohi in reference to Kariuki.

Kariuki who cast his vote at Ndururuno Secondary school early morning on Monday accused Wanjohi of spreading leaflets showing that he had pulled out of the race by Saturday.

"Our opponents had printed leaflets showing that I had stepped down of the race but we have told our supporters that they should ignore such smear campaign and vote. We are aware of the tactics they are using but we believe victory is on our side," said Kariuki.

With low voter turnout experienced Monday morning, the candidates attributed it to voter's apathy following the postponement of the voting day from August 7, to August 11.

Wanjohi said that the low voter turnout could be as a result of voter's apathy and work.

"When IEBC changed the date of voting, I think people became tired. However, we hope that in the afternoon the voters would come out in large numbers to vote," said Wanjohi.

The ODM youthful aspirant Kariuki praised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for having made proper arrangements for the poll.

Although, he decried over the low voter turnout, Kariuki remained optimistic that he was the choice of the people of Mathare.
Progressive Peoples Party candidate Sammy Mudanya on his part claimed that other contestants have been dishing out money in the constituency pegging his victory to Jesus.