Kalembe Ndile confident of win as Moffat Maith votes first in Matungulu

A woman votes in Matungulu Constituency by-election Thursday [PHOTO: STANDARD]

By Erastus Mulwa in Matungulu and Onesmus Nzioka in Kibwezi West

Immediate former Member of Parliament for Kibwezi West Constituency Patrick Musimba and Kalembe Ndile who petitioned against Musimba’s victory has voted in the on-going by-election.

Kalembe whose party The Independent Party (TIP) is an affiliate of the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) cast his ballot minutes past 8am at Emali Primary Scholl in Emali Town while Musimba voted at Kawelu Primary School in Mbuinzau trading centre.

Speaking after voting Kalembe said he was satisfied with the process and exuded confidence that he will emerge victorious.  

Musimba is vying to recapture the seat as an independent candidate.

PICKs candidate Juliana Kisimbi will not be voting as she is not a registered voter in Kibwezi West Constituency. However, she is a voter registered in a Nairobi constituency.

Kibwezi West Constituency has 58,811 registered voters spread across 149 polling stations.

A part from low voter turnout no incidences have been reported in the by-election where voters are being identified through the Electronic Voter Identification Devices (EVID).

Returning officer Nur Gedi has said polling stations are scheduled to close at 5pm.

In Matungulu Constituency Jubilee coalition’s Mofat Maitha became among the fisrt people to vote when Matuu Nursary School polling station opened its door.

Security is at its peak with total of 254 police officers are manning 101 polling stations which opened at 6am

Three candidates are hoping to get a majority of the 47,838 registered voter’s green light to represent the constituency in the National Assembly.

Immediate former MP Stephen Mule of Wiper whose election was nullified by Machakos High Court following a successful petition by Thomas Musau was expected to vote at Kikaatini Primary School at 11am. Musai is vying on a New Democrat Party ticket.