Mwatate MP Andrew Mwadime at a past function. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Mwatate MP Andrew Mwadime will defend his seat on an ODM ticket after winning the party’s nominations in the constituency.Mwadime garnered 6,674 votes against his rival, Christopher Mwambingu’s 5,248 votes, in one of the most contested races in Taita Taveta County. The constituency returning officer, Arafat Machila, made the results official in Mwatate town amidst objection from Mwambingu. Mwadime insisted that the exercise was conducted in a transparent manner, adding that he won the ticket fairly. “I have won the ODM nomination in a free and fair contest,” said the legislator. Mwambingu, however, lamented that some of his supporters were denied a chance to take part in the exercise, adding that he does not agree with the outcome of the primaries.“My supporters were not allowed to vote, especially in areas perceived to be my rival’s strongholds. There was also massive voter bribery and double voting in some polling stations in the vast constituency,” added Mwambingu, as quoted by the Standard.The aspirant also raised concerns over varied challenges including late delivery of material during the nominations.“Late delivery of election materials in our strongholds such as Bura and Rong’e Juu wards and massive voter bribery showed that the county election board was compromised,” he said.