The stage is set for a fierce political showdown with
the IEBC officially confirming 56 candidates will battle for one Senate
and six National Assembly seats in the upcoming November 27 by-elections.
The list of nominated candidates published by the Independent
Electoral and Boundaries Commission in the Kenya Gazette sets the scene for
competitive races across the constituencies.
The list, released by IEBC chairman Erastus Ethekon, features a crowded field of contenders for some
of the seats, and also speaks to the high-stakes interest by notable political
players in the country.
The race for the Baringo Senate seat has attracted six
contenders. They include UDA’s Chemitei Cheburet, Shadrack Kaplawat of
Alliance for Change Party, and Samuel Letasio of Kenya Moja Movement.
David Kipruto will fly the flag of the Republican
Liberty Party (RLP), Chebon Benjamin for the New Democrats (TND) and Daniel Kurui of Umoja Na Maendeleo Party (UMP).
The contest is poised to be a key indicator of President
William Ruto’s political strength in the Rift Valley region.
It has not been free of intrigues, part of which saw former
Senator Gideon Moi withdraw his candidature after talks with the President.
The by-elections for Member of National Assembly will be
held in six constituencies, with 50 candidates throwing their hats
into the ring.
A crowded field of 10 candidates will vie for the
Magarini seat, among them Harrison Kombe of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), who
held the seat before the courts nullified his election.
He is facing off with Karisa Kenga of the Rigathi
Gachagua-led Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Chengo Ngumbao of the Democratic
National Alliance, Jacob Kwicha of the Federal Party of Kenya and Amos Kalama, who
is running on an independent ticket.
The race has also attracted Sarah Gakahu of the
Kenya Moja Movement (KMM), John Masha of the Kenya Social Congress (KSC), Hamadi Karisa
of the Roots Party, Kitsao Kalama of The We Alliance Party (TWAP) and Samuel
Kombe of Kalonzo Musyoka-led Wiper Patriotic Front.
A direct two-horse race is expected in Banissa pitting
Ahmed Hassan of UDA against Nurdin Mohamed of the United
Progressive Alliance.
Eight candidates are in the running for the Mbeere North
seat, among them Leo Wa Muthende of UDA, Newton Ndwiga of the Democratic Party,
Murithi Njeru of the Alliance for Change Party and Duncan Mbui of Moses
Kuria’s Chama Cha Kazi.
The race has also attracted Daniel Ngari of Kenya Moja
Movement, Albert Murimi of National Vision Party, Lawrence Iteri of Safina,
Mwaura Waiharo of Umoja Na Maendeleo Party and Ngiri Muringi of United
Progressive Alliance.
The Malava contest features nine candidates, including David
Athman Ndakwa of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Edgar Busiega of DCP, whom
Cleophas Malala had indicated as having withdrawn from the race in favour of
Seth Panyako of DAP-K, is also featured.
Others are James Angatia of AFC, Joab Manyasi of Democratic National Alliance, Shivakale Bruce of Entrust Pioneer, Wilberforce
Indai of Kenya Moja, Benjamin Nakwa of NOPEU and Ngaira Oyugi of Party of
Democratic Unity.
Ten candidates are contesting for the Ugunja seat, where
ODM has fronted Moses Omondi to retain the seat once held by Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi.
It has also attracted Lilian Aketch of AFC, Maurice Okumu
of Federal Party, Eric Ochieng of Jubilee, Chrisphine Omondi of Kanu, Vincent Olengo of Kenya Moja and Oliver Ochuka of National Liberal Party
(NLP).
Fredrick Ochiel of UDM, Benson Otieno of United Green Movement (UGM) and Johannes Orodi of Wiper also want to replace
Wandayi.
For the Kasipul race, there are nine candidates,
including three independents. ODM has fronted former MP Ong’ondo Were’s son,
Boyd, as its candidate for the high-stakes race.
Also fighting out are Jesse Samson Okello of the
Democratic National Alliance, and independents Linda Aoko, Philip Aroko,
and Robert Bior.
Kenya Moja has fronted Isaac Abok with Robert Ouma, trying his hand through the Labour Party.
Ugenya MP David Ochieng’s Movement
for Democracy and Growth (MDG) has also fronted Collins Omondi, while NLP
has Ishmael Oyoo and Sam Rateng, fronted by United Progressive Alliance.
The IEBC has urged all candidates and their supporters
to maintain peace and adhere to the electoral code of conduct throughout the
campaign period.
With the list now official, Kenyans in the affected
areas are bracing for a month of intense political campaigns ahead of the
November 27 poll.
