THE STANDARD
POLITICS
Msambweni constituents are voting in Kenya s first Covid-era parliamentary election.
Consequently, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced safety rules to avert the spread of Covid-19 during voting.
“Voters, candidates and agents are urged to maintain order at the polling station and to avoid wearing or carrying campaign materials and to avoid campaigning while on the queue,” the polling body said on Tuesday morning, adding that the exercise started at 6 am.
The voter identification process which involves biometrically scanning the fingerprints has been secured by the introduction of hand sanitisers. The commission is also taking body temperatures as required by the Ministry of Health protocols. The IEBC tweeted:
POLITICS
IEBC staff put final touches on ballot boxes ahead of the Msambweni by-election on December 15, 2020. [Omondi Onyango,Standard]
Today’s by-election in Msambweni, Kwale County, will likely put to test the political might of President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga on one side against that of Deputy President William Ruto on the other.
Raila has held the constituency in his grip since 2007, and is backing Omar Boga of ODM. The constituency of more than 69,000 voters is set to elect an MP following the death of Suleiman Dori eight months ago.
Uhuru’s Jubilee party did not field a candidate in respect to the spirit of the Handshake, which has been perceived as a silent backing of the ODM candidate.
Likoni bridge ready for use in January
Friday December 11 2020
President Uhuru Kenyatta with Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho during the commissioning of the 1.2km Likoni Pedestrian Floating Bridge in Mombasa December 10, 2020. The bridge will be opened to the public on January 1, 2021. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT | NMG
By MOHAMED AHMED
Summary
President said when the bridge is opened to the public, congestion at the Likoni Channel would be a thing of the past.
The bridge is 1.2 kilometre and stretches from Liwatoni Liwatoni in Mombasa Island to Ras Bofu (Peleleza) in Likoni.
The bridge will be demobilised at least an hour before to allow ships that are entering or leaving the Mombasa to pass.
Uhuru launch a Sh4 5b bridge to make Mombasa and Island standardmedia.co.ke - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from standardmedia.co.ke Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
“He stands to bring development to Msambweni if elected,” the Kilifi governor said.
Mvurya claimed there was a plot by ODM to rig the mini poll in favour of Boga and urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure the elections are free and fair.
“ODM is on record saying the party must win the December 15, by- election. This means they are planning to rig the election and we want IEBC to scuttle their plans,” Mvurya said.
Jumwa expressed her frustrations during campaigns, saying ODM supporters have been giving her a hard time because of her decision to support Deputy President William Ruto’s presidential ambitions in 2022.