The Basic Education Principal Secretary, Prof. Julius Bitok, has announced that all public primary schools in Emurua Dikirr constituency will be closed on March 27 to facilitate their use as polling stations for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party primaries.
The decision comes ahead of a by-election following the tragic death of the area’s Member of Parliament, Johana Ngeno, who perished in a helicopter crash in Chepkiep village, Nandi county on February 28. The by-election is scheduled for May 14.
Prof. Bitok made the announcement after meeting with UDA aspirants in Emurua Dikirr town, in the presence of the party’s elections chairman, Anthony Mwaura.
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He noted that the UDA requested the use of schools as polling stations to ensure a smooth and accessible voting process.
While emphasizing the government’s neutrality in the electoral process, Prof. Bitok cautioned aspirants and party officials against damaging school property.
“Schools are learning institutions and must be protected,” he said, urging political actors to exercise restraint and respect public facilities.
He further clarified that the government will continue to allow any political party to use public schools as polling venues, reinforcing the principle of impartiality.
Prof. Bitok highlighted that this arrangement ensures voters in Emurua Dikirr can participate conveniently while maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
The closure of schools for the UDA primaries underscores the party’s organizational efforts to prepare for the upcoming by-election, which has attracted significant attention following the untimely death of Ngeno.
Local residents have been urged to plan accordingly, as schools will not conduct normal classes on the specified date.
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This development also reflects the continued collaboration between the Ministry of Education and political parties to balance educational operations with electoral logistics, ensuring that the democratic process proceeds smoothly without compromising learning facilities.
By Kithinji Njeru
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