Women participated in large numbers on election day and were well represented among the IEBC’s staff, political party agents and Kenyan election observers according to a monitoring report by the National Democratic Institute.
Charity Ngilu, who went up against the incumbent Kitui Governor Julius Malombe (Wiper Party) and independent candidate David Musila emerged victorious. Bomet County shall also have a female governor, Joyce Laboso (Jubilee party) who will replace Isaac Ruto of the Chama Cha Mashinani.
Former Devolution Cabinet Secretary Ann Waiguru beat her closest challenger Martha Karua to secure the Kirinyaga gubernatorial seat.
According to Karen Bass, the delegation co-leader, voters turned out in large numbers and waited patiently in long lines to cast their votes.
“Party agents from competing sides and independent candidate agents, as well as election monitors were present at the vast polling locations,” she observed.
Karen noted that security officers were deployed at polling locations as well. News media including Kenyan and international, conventional and digital provided robust coverage of election developments, which contributed to awareness and helped dispel rumors.
“The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission delivered well-managed polls, even though it faced serious challenges in the few months leading to the polls. Late opening of some polling centres contributed to delays but that didn’t deter voters,” said Karen.
The delegation has also urged Kenyan electoral actors to address immediate challenges during the consolidation of results and apply lessons from the 2017 elections to benefit the post-election process. They said they shall offer further, long term recommendations concerning enhancing inclusion in the political process and improving electoral processes.