Kapchorwa security tightened as NRM holds primaries again

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Kapchorwa district is under heightened security ahead of the rerun of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party's primaries for parliamentary flag-bearers.

The re-run scheduled for Thursday, July 31, 2025, follows the annulment of the July 17 primaries, which were marred by irregularities, including alleged voter bribery, ballot stuffing and intimidation, particularly in Kapchorwa municipality.

The electoral chaos led to the arrest and remand of the then district registrar, Akram Kamonges, who faced charges of mismanaging the vote. Isaac Chepkurui has since been appointed to oversee the re-run.

All eyes on security

Acting Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Martin Sakajja confirmed on Monday that the district has ramped up security operations to ensure a peaceful exercise.

"We have put all security measures in place and are working closely with our counterparts in Kween district to ensure a smooth and peaceful electoral process," Sakajja said.

Sipi region Police spokesperson Fredmark Chesang warned would-be lawbreakers.

"Any individual found on the wrong side of the law, whether it's voter bribery, incitement to violence, or intimidation, will be brought to book without hesitation," Chesang said.

According to Chesang, the security deployment will be general with emphasis on hotspots and blackspots where volatile incidents are anticipated.

Some of those areas include Sipi town council, Kaptanya in Tingye county, Kapchesombe, Kwoti and Kapchorwa town in Kapchorwa Municipality, as well as Siron.

NRM EC cautions against misconduct

NRM electoral commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi issued a stern warning to all aspirants and their supporters.

"We are closely monitoring this re-run, and violence, bribery, or electoral malpractice will not be tolerated. This is an opportunity for Kapchorwa to restore trust in the party's democratic processes," Tanga told New Vision Online.

He urged local authorities and NRM officials to remain neutral, cautioning against interference.

"Let the people choose freely. That's how we build trust in internal democracy. No candidate should use intimidation or money to influence voters," Tanga Odoi said.

Registrar pledges transparency

Isaac Chepkurui, the newly appointed acting district registrar, said, "This is a joint exercise under the close eye of the NRM CEC, and we are committed to transparency and accountability," Chepkurui said.

The CEC's decision to hold a re-run came after unanimous petitions from multiple candidates across constituencies, citing compromised procedures and a lack of credibility in the previous round.

Contested areas and candidates

The re-run will decide the NRM parliamentary flag-bearers for Kapchorwa Municipality, Tingey County, and the Kapchorwa Woman Member of Parliament seat.

The races are hotly contested and closely watched across the region. 

Kapchorwa Municipality Candidates

Patrick Solimo Kitiyo (announced winner of the overturned vote)

Martin Chemonges

Alex Chelimo

Alfred Satya Muban

Tingey County Candidates

Fadil Twalla, Tingey County Kapchorwa (NRM)

Fadil Twalla (Incumbent, won the overturned vote)

Kenneth Soyekwo Obama (Former MP)

Nancy Chelangat

Musa Mashud Chemowo

Woman MP Seat Candidates

Phyllis Chemutai, Woman Representative Kapchorwa (NRM)

Phyllis Chemutai (Incumbent, won the overturned vote)

Betty Cheptoek Kaali

Susan Chemutai

Juliet Baulah Cheboyeyin

Jalia Seiko Chikasire

The initial primaries saw Twalla and Chemutai declared winners in their respective constituencies. Still, opposition from within the party, especially in Tingey and the Woman MP race, forced the process to be reset.

Reaction and political climate

Political commentator Phiona Chemutai, popularly known as LP, described the re-run as a necessary correction. "This is a second chance to restore credibility and pick the best candidates for the 2026 general elections," she said.

Diba Innocent, a regional political analyst, remarked that NRM must tick the boxes in Kapchorwa to set the record straight nationwide.

"If NRM gets it right in Kapchorwa, it sends a strong message that internal democracy can work even in the toughest environments."