Banisa town in Mandera County was unusually crowded last week due to a by-election for MP held on Thursday. Many visitors lacked accommodation, resorting to churches and police stations. Supporters and voters arrived from distant areas like Busia and inland Mandera.
The Banisa by-election took place last Thursday, causing a significant influx of people into the town. The death of MP Kullow Maalim Hassan in March 2023 created this parliamentary vacancy, drawing voters and supporters from various regions. Many arrived to participate or back their candidate, but accommodation shortages posed a major challenge.
On the eve of election day, numerous visitors had to sleep in churches, police stations, or even polling stations. Some relied on relatives and friends for temporary shelter. Journalists were not exempt; NMG reporters slept inside Banisa International Church, hosted by Pastor Ambrose Songa.
This by-election aimed to select a new MP for the Banisa area in Mandera County, with the crowds highlighting residents' enthusiasm for local politics. Specific results of the by-election are not mentioned in this report, but the turnout underscored its importance to the community.