Claims of voter bribery have taken centre stage in the Mbeere North by-election after Chama Cha Kazi candidate Duncan Mbui accused rival parties of using money and food to influence voters.
His concerns came shortly after he cast his vote at Kiathambu Primary School in Evurore Ward, where he told journalists that the exercise was being undermined by organised efforts to sway voter decisions through illegal means.
The allegations quickly sparked discussions among residents, many of whom had hoped for a clean and transparent process.
Mbui said that high-end, unmarked vehicles had been seen in different parts of Evurore Ward, with individuals inside reportedly handing out cash and packets of unga to voters.
He explained that some of these vehicles had removed their number plates, making it difficult to trace the people involved.
According to Mbui, the scale of the bribery he witnessed raised doubts about whether the by-election could be considered free and fair.
He insisted that such practices do more harm than good and warned that they risked destroying the integrity of the constituency’s leadership.
In his address to the media, Mbui emphasised that several vehicles were moving across Mbeere North distributing money and foodstuffs in an attempt to influence the outcome.
He urged residents to resist the temptation of handouts, reminding them that the future of the constituency was more valuable than the short-term benefits being offered.
He called on voters to choose leaders based on character, vision, and commitment to development rather than the gifts circulating during the election.
While Mbui raised these serious concerns, former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi shared a completely different view of the process.
After voting at Kanyuambora Primary School, Muturi expressed satisfaction with how the election was being conducted. He said he completed his voting in about a minute and described the process as smooth and well organised.
