Registers hitch mars Ford-People primaries

By Naftal Makori

Confusion marred Ford-People nominations as several voters who turned up for the exercise in Nyamira County found their names missing from the party membership register.

Among those affected was the Bosamaro Ward County Representative aspirant Henry Nyang’aya, who has been campaigning.

Name missing

Nyang’aya found his name missing in the register and was shocked to realise he could not be allowed to vote for himself.

Immediately, he sought the indulgence of Ford-People’s Director of Election John O’Maragia over the alleged tampering with the voter register.

Speaking to reporters at Ting’a Polling Centre, Nyang’aya claimed that the tampering with the voters register was intentional, to the advantage of his competitors.

By 11am, only two people had successfully voted at the polling centre, while several others were turned away.

Nyang’aya, who protested to the party director of elections, was finally allowed to vote after displaying his life membership certificate.

This was after the party officials counter checked his name with the master register and found that he was eligible to vote.

Party supporters expressed their anger, saying some individuals were out to rig the nomination in favour of unpopular candidates.

In some polling stations, voting begun as late as 1pm since the nominations officials could not deliver materials in time.

O’Maragia termed the case as an isolated one, adding that it was typing error and apologised on behalf of the party after the chaos in the area.