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Judith Alyek rejects Okwerodot Women’s Council election results, cites intimidation

20 August 2026, 12:53 pm

Former Kole District Woman Member of Parliament, Judith Alyek.

By Frank Oyugi and Isaac Erick Odongo

Okwerodot, Kole — Former Kole District Woman Member of Parliament Judith Alyek has rejected the election outcome for the Okwerodot Sub-county Women’s Council Chairperson seat.

The election followed a postponement after confusion over voter attire and electoral guidelines. On polling day, some voters arrived wearing pink clothing, a colour associated with certain political affiliations, contrary to regulations prohibiting partisan attire at polling centres. The election official subsequently rescheduled the poll.

Following the rescheduled vote, Election Officer Paul Awany declared independent candidate Betty Atim the winner for the 2026–2031 term, after she secured 21 votes against Alyek’s 19. Awany noted that any candidate dissatisfied with the results could file a petition with the returning authority for formal review.

Speaking to journalists, Alyek, who contested as the official National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer, alleged voter intimidation and procedural irregularities during voting and tallying. She said she had documented her complaints and formally notified the local police and security leadership.

Alyek also expressed disappointment with senior district leaders, accusing Kole North MP Dr Samuel Opio Acuti, Kole Woman MP Sandra Acheng and Kole Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Gillian Akullo of actively opposing her candidacy and supporting an independent candidate contrary to party directives.

Alyek accuses her opponents of mudslinging during the Women’s Council elections.
Kole RDC Gillian Akullo denies meddling in the Women’s Council elections.

Responding to the allegations, Kole RDC Gillian Akullo dismissed the claims as political gamesmanship, saying she was absent during the earlier exercise due to illness. She urged all candidates and their supporters to respect the democratic process.

Repeated attempts to reach Dr Samuel Opio Acuti and Sandra Acheng for comment were unsuccessful.

Following her declaration, Betty Atim welcomed the results and pledged to serve all women in Okwerodot Sub-county regardless of their political affiliation.