Faith Masita
Voters in West Kabras Ward began lining up at polling stations early on Thursday morning, eager to cast their ballots in the tightly contested county assembly by-election.
At Imboakalo Comprehensive School, one of the main polling centres in the ward, long queues of residents formed shortly after polls opened at 6:00 am, with supporters chatting, greeting old neighbours and patiently awaiting their turn to vote. The atmosphere was calm but charged with civic purpose, as men and women of all ages some taking time off from work and business waited in orderly lines under the morning sun.
Many voters said they came out early to avoid the long lines that often build up later in the day and to ensure their voices were heard in this important local contest. Chairs and umbrellas dotted the school grounds as families kept watch over children while elders shared views
The by-election is being closely watched not only in Kakamega but across county politics, as local leaders and political parties seek to strengthen their grassroots support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
A total of six candidates are competing for the West Kabras seat, including representatives from United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Democratic Party Kenya (DCP), and the National Economic Development Party, among others.
Polling continues until 5:00 pm, and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has assured that voters already in line at closing time will still be allowed to vote.
Across the county and in other regions such as Isiolo and Embu, polls have opened smoothly, with election officials, security personnel and party agents deployed to ensure a peaceful process.
At Imboakalo Comprehensive School, one of the main polling centres in the ward, long queues of residents formed shortly after polls opened at 6:00 am, with supporters chatting, greeting old neighbours and patiently awaiting their turn to vote. The atmosphere was calm but charged with civic purpose, as men and women of all ages some taking time off from work and business waited in orderly lines under the morning sun.
Many voters said they came out early to avoid the long lines that often build up later in the day and to ensure their voices were heard in this important local contest. Chairs and umbrellas dotted the school grounds as families kept watch over children while elders shared views
The by-election is being closely watched not only in Kakamega but across county politics, as local leaders and political parties seek to strengthen their grassroots support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
A total of six candidates are competing for the West Kabras seat, including representatives from United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Democratic Party Kenya (DCP), and the National Economic Development Party, among others.
Polling continues until 5:00 pm, and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has assured that voters already in line at closing time will still be allowed to vote.
Across the county and in other regions such as Isiolo and Embu, polls have opened smoothly, with election officials, security personnel and party agents deployed to ensure a peaceful process.
