NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 18 – Yusuf Hassan of the Party of National Unity is the MP-elect for Kamukunji constituency, which has remained unrepresented for close to eight months now.
Mr Hassan garnered 19,030 votes against 15,476 polled by his bitter rival Ahmed Ibrahim of the Orange Democratic Movement in Thursday’s by-election.
Narc Kenya’s Brian Weke came third with 4,064 votes, while Agano Party candidate David Waihiga managed 367 votes.
There were 40,454 ballots cast in the by-election out of which 39,743 were valid. Seven hundred and eight votes were rejected and three votes disputed.
Mr Hassan was declared winner by Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) Returning Officer Joseph Masindet who announced the results at the YMCA Hall in Shauri Moyo.
Despite having been characterised by allegations of voter bribery and intimidation earlier in the day, the IIEC chief Ahmed Issack said the mini poll was free and fair.
“We have had a peaceful election. It has taken us the shortest time to count, tally and announce the winner,” the IIEC chief said.
Voting at the constituency was conducted expeditiously due to the adoption of biometric voter identification which minimises the time voters spend on the queue.
Mr Issack however, said there was low voter turnout in the constituency.
“It is unfortunate that there has been low voter turnout in all the constituencies where IIEC has conducted by-elections,” he said.
Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka who had predicted victory for PNU swiftly congratulated Mr Hassan for winning the mini poll.
“Congratulations to Yusuf Hassan the PNU Coalition candidate for the win. There’s a lot to do, get down to work,” the Vice President said on his Twitter account.
Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta also sent his congratulatory message through his Twitter handle saying: “Congratulations to the people of Kamukunji for electing a development conscious, visionary and humble leader as their next MP and heeding our calls for unity in these elections.”
“This is a sign of things to come. To my brother – Hon Yusuf Hassan Abdi – hongera!! You truly deserve this victory. God bless you all!! Tuko Pamoja!” Mr Kenyatta said.
The poll had been billed as a test of supremacy battle between ODM and PNU ahead of the2012 poll.
The seat fell vacant in January after Mr Ibrahim successfully filed a petition against the 2007 poll win of Simon Mbugua over irregularities.
About The Author
