By Onesmus Nzioka and Daniel Nzia
Makueni, Kenya: A Member of the County Assembly allied to TIP candidate Kalembe Ndile was forced to run for her dear life to escape the wrath of opponents.
Ms Jane Ndila yesterday fled to a guesthouse after people believed to be supporters of Dr Patrick Musimba trailed her.
Ndila told The Standard that the assailants trailed her on her way from Mbui Nzau to Kibwezi, but she took refuge in the guesthouse when she realised they were after her.
The armed men followed her into the hotel and tried to stone her. A stone aimed at her, however, hit her car, damaging the windscreen.
Ndila claimed the attackers fled after she raised the alarm, leaving behind their car.
Kibwezi OCPD Leonard Kimaiyo said the fracas ensued when supporters of the two candidates met at the guesthouse.
The police boss said the abandoned car was towed to Kibwezi Police Station, adding that the assailants are known and police are pursuing them.
Violence was thwarted by police officers when Ndile supporters stormed a suspected campaign meeting hosted by supporters of Musimba in Makindu.
Meanwhile, one of the candidates in the Kibwezi West parliamentary by-election did not participate in the voting exercise.
The Pick candidate Juliana Kisimbi is a registered voter in Nairobi’s Lavingtone Primary School and could, therefore, not vote for herself.
Voting in the constituency kicked off at 6am in the 149 polling stations.
Dr Musimba cast his vote at Kawelu Primary School polling station.
Higher margin
CORD Alliance’s Ndile cast his vote at Emali Primary School shortly after 8am. Speaking to journalists after voting, Kalembe exuded confidence that he will triumph, adding he was satisfied with the process.
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“I am confident of winning by a margin higher than Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr’s 92 per cent,” joked the TIP leader. Kalembe, however, said he was prepared for the outcome and appealed to voters to maintain peace.
The IEBC’s Ruth Kulundu said voting kicked off at 6am without any hitches.
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