The polling station-level elections, aimed at electing 20 officials per center across 20 counties including Kirinyaga, were scheduled to run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. However, Waiguru reported that, well past the halfway mark, presiding officers had failed to arrive at multiple polling stations.
In Mwea Constituency, presiding officers were absent from Thome, Ciagini, Gatwiri, Gategi B, and Marurumo in Wamumu Ward; Kutus Primary, Kutus Secondary, St. Paul Primary, and Gakuu Primary in Nyangati Ward; and a long list including Diffathas, Gathigi-ini, Ikurungu, Itangi, Ithiga Ria Njuki, Kadawa, Karuangi, Mathiga Primary, Miatuini Primary, Mugamba–Ciura Primary, Togonye Factory, Togonye Primary, Urumandi, Mumbuini, and Murinduko Primary in Murinduko Ward.In Gichugu Constituency, Gathoge Polling Station in Njukiini Ward lacked an officer.
In Kirinyaga Central Constituency, Mutito Polling Station in Kanyekini Ward faced the same issue.Waiguru stressed: "There should be no votes recorded at these polling Centers if no voting occurs." She affirmed hope for a credible process but vowed to provide ongoing updates, signaling potential irregularities amid heightened tensions.
The disruptions come against a backdrop of internal rifts in Kirinyaga UDA, including Waiguru's recent confrontations with MPs accused of dividing the party by opening rival headquarters. As a key Ruto ally and chair of the UDA Governors Caucus, Waiguru has rallied for unity and strong turnout to affirm Mt. Kenya's support for the President ahead of 2027.
These logistical failures risk undermining voter confidence, delaying results, and fueling perceptions of disorganization in Ruto's stronghold. With the elections intended to strengthen grassroots structures, the chaos in Kirinyaga could signal broader challenges for UDA's cohesion and Ruto's regional dominance.
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