An empty stall in Eldoret town (Photo: Joe Khisa)
Huruma MCA Peter Chomba has termed closure of county markets as the main reason behind low voter turnout in several polling stations within Eldoret town.
Speaking after casting his vote at Atnas Kandie Primary school in Turbo constituency, Chomba said it could be easier to mobilize traders to go and vote while markets are open.
"If it were me I could not shut down the markets on election day because that's where we usually mobilize our supporters to go and vote since it's easier to identify who has voted and who has not," said the Jubilee MCA. "I was not consulted in this matter but next time the county should seek for local leaders opinion before making such decisions," he added.
The county government had ordered that all markers remain closed until the end of the voting process so as to allow traders to participate in the repeat poll.Several polling stations within Eldoret town has been witnessing low voter turnout since the polls opened at 6 am compared to the August 8 election.
Political leaders who have already cast their votes among them governor Jackson Mandago, his deputy Daniel Chemo and Senator Prof. Margret Kamar have however expressed optimism that the county will register a higher voter turnout.