West Pokot Kanu leaders claim rigging plot by Jubilee rivals

West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo (left) and former Cabinet Minister Samuel Poghisio in Karenger in West Pokot on April 9,2017. PHOTO | OSCAR KAKAI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Kanu leaders in West Pokot County have vowed to guard against what they called plans to rig the August 8 polls.

The leaders said that they will not tolerate any form of election fraud and called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to announce results at polling stations.

Led by West Pokot Senator John Lonyangapuo, who has set his eyes on the gubernatorial seat, and former Cabinet minister Samuel Poghisio, who is eyeing the senator’s seat, the leaders claimed that some of their rivals are scheming to influence the outcome of the polls in the county.

“They have been spreading propaganda in the county that they will steal my votes. I’ve heard that they will announce their winner even if I win,” claimed Prof Lonyangapuo.

The Kanu leaders said that they have put in place strategies to man all the 700 polling stations in the county.

ELECTION DAY

“Our agents will be around in all polling stations from morning until late. We are determined to protect ballot boxes. We want IEBC to make results known after voting,” added Prof Lonyangapuo.

Speaking after commissioning the new Sebulion Bridge in Karenger village on Sunday, Prof Lonyangapuo warned that Kanu will not accept any lawlessness on Election Day.

Mr Poghisio said that the elections should be free and fair adding that results should be announced at the polling stations.

“We want the exact figures to be announced. If I get 10 it should be announced that way. We shall accept defeat if our Jubilee opponents win genuinely,” he said.

Mr Poghisio who is the former Kacheliba MP exuded confidence that Kanu will win the August polls.