A journalist at a local FM radio station in Busia Town has made a surprising transition into politics, winning the district chairperson seat as an independent candidate.
Mr John Charles Namayindi, a news anchor at Voice of Busia FM, secured 38,194 votes, defeating the incumbent and the NRM flag bearer, Stephen Mugeni Wasike, who garnered 28,707 votes.
Namayindi, who lost in the NRM primaries, says he borrowed Shs200,000 to pay his nomination fee.
“I did not have money for nominations and had to borrow the Shs200,000 nomination fee. Today’s victory shows that even without money, people can stand with you,” he said, thanking voters for their support.
The victory was met with cheers and dancing from supporters, who celebrated with a popular local Samia song that calls on families to welcome and entertain visitors. However, Wasike dismissed the election as a sham, citing concerns about possible ballot stuffing.
“This election raises serious concerns about possible ballot stuffing. How can there be more votes cast for the district chairperson than for the women councilors?” he said.
Busia District Returning Officer, Joan Aduru, defended the results, stating that voters have the right to vote in one category of an election without being required to vote for other positions. “The votes cast were valid,” she said, adding that the electoral process was transparent.
Wasike intends to seek redress in court, claiming the election was marred by irregularities. However, other candidates, including Peter Namalwa Sireka (1,125 votes), Geoffrey Wandera (NUP) (2,524 votes), and Ajuma Nabwera (UPM) (808 votes), conceded defeat and pledged to work toward the development of the district.
Namayindi promised to unite residents and focus on improving service delivery, prioritizing roads, education, and access to clean water.
“I will promote teamwork and work to end the cliques, infighting, and divisions that characterized Stephen Mugeni Wasike’s five-year term,” he said.
Supporters celebrated till late into the night, driving Namayindi home in a tipper truck. Former Busia Municipality mayor, Michael Mugeni, praised Namayindi’s win, criticizing Wasike’s tenure for causing conflicts and poor service delivery.
“In five years, Wasike has caused the transfer of over five CAOs and dragged several civil servants to court,” he said, adding that these actions negatively affected service delivery.