ODM, JAP in neck to neck battle for Ugenya North Ward seat

ODM candidate Mr Shaban Omar took an early lead on Monday in the Ugenya North by-election, with a tough challenge from the JAP candidate Stephene Mwanga.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate was leading by 3,370 votes followed by Jubilee Alliance Party’s (JAP) Steve Mwanga, who had garnered 1,492. Kanu’s Lazarus Otieno was third with 109 votes with only three polling stations remaining.

The election, which had shaped up as a contest between Jubilee and the opposition Cord, was not without grumbles.

ODM had earlier raised concerns about alleged rampant vote buying in the exercise.

Mr Omar claimed that his agents had caught their opponents luring voters to their (JAP’s) side.

Mr Omar alleged the Nyamsenda, Jera and Kagonya polling stations as some of the areas where they were forced to disperse groups believed to be linked to the malpractice.

However, Mr Mwanga dismissed ODM's claims of irregularities and said the final results would reflect the will of the people, further saying that he was confident the electoral body would deliver credible results.

“Voter rigging is not a question. I am sure the returning officer will do a good job,” said Mr Mwanga.

The polling centres opened on Monday morning in an election pitting ODM, Jubilee and Kanu candidates against one other.

The by-election was held following the death of the area's member of county assembly (MCA), Mr Benson Omondi, in March this year.

A win by ODM would send a message that ODM leader Raila Odinga still calls the shots in his backyard.

The exercise closed at 5pm.

Vote counting and tallying are taking place at the Sega Polytechnic, from where the results will be announced.