Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission, has declared that new elections will be held in Kapchorwa District following reports of serious electoral misconduct.
The constituencies impacted by this decision are Kapchorwa Municipality, Tingey County, and the Kapchorwa Woman MP seat.
Speaking at the party’s headquarters on Sunday afternoon, Dr. Odoi revealed that his decision was driven by documented complaints and proof of widespread electoral fraud, including vote buying, voter intimidation, result tampering, and tally manipulation.
According to him, staff members involved in conducting the election failed to adhere to established procedures, engaged in corruption, and in some instances, neglected to announce results publicly.
As a result, the NRM Electoral Commission has nullified all election results from the district and plans to schedule fresh polls soon. Dr. Odoi stressed that the irregularities rendered the process neither free nor fair, which justified its cancellation.
“We discovered serious flaws in how the elections were conducted in the affected constituencies. Because of this, we have annulled the results and will arrange a new election,” he explained.
Among those affected, Kapchorwa Municipality MP aspirant Mr. Martin Chemonges expressed support for the move, saying the elections were entirely compromised.
“I’m glad the elections were called off. The process was manipulated from start to finish, with no accurate tallying, and those who rigged the vote celebrated openly,” he noted.
He also mentioned that the decision gives the electorate a fresh opportunity to express their will through a more credible process.
This decision comes as investigations continue into allegations of misconduct by the Kapchorwa NRM district registrar, who has been arrested by police on suspicion of tampering with election results.
Fredrick Chesang, the Sipi Region Police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest, saying that the registrar was found with a significant amount of cash and is suspected of favoring particular candidates through result manipulation.
“Initial investigations show that some winners were declared despite losing. The registrar claims the money was intended for village registrars, but we’re probing further,” Chesang stated.
Reports from the field suggest that certain declared winners received vote counts exceeding the district’s total number of registered voters, casting doubt on the election’s integrity.
Ms. Mary Chebet, a local NRM supporter, remarked that the cancellation has stirred confusion among both voters and candidates in Kapchorwa—a district known for its vibrant political activity within the Sebei sub-region. Both incumbents and challengers are now preparing for a second round of voting as the party works to restore unity and credibility.
Observers believe Dr. Odoi’s move reflects the party’s intent to address electoral irregularities, though it also reveals significant grassroots-level disorganization and internal rifts.