Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka with UDA’s James Shiraku and MDG’s Joel Ongoro hugging other./PHOTO:ILTON OTENYOIn a surprise turn of events, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has pulled out of the upcoming Kisa East ward by-election set for November 27 in Kakamega County.
UDA candidate James Shiraku announced his withdrawal from the race and declared support for MDG’s Joel Ongoro.
Shiraku said he had been asked to step down by party leadership.
“Aseka called me through my party leader, who is the president, and asked me to drop out of the race and support Ongoro of MDG,” said Shiraku during a public rally.
“If your father asks you for a favour in the home, you have no alternative but to oblige,” he added.
Shiraku’s withdrawal from the race reduces the number of candidates to ten.
They include candidates Ongoro, Abraham Ayaya (DAP-K), Aduda Okwiri (DCP), Khatete Mumia (KANU), David Muchelule (Agano Party), Douglas Shitote (UDP), Raphael Namai (DNA), Pauline Uside (JFP), John Masetu (ODM), and Stephen Amwayi (UDM).
The seat fell vacant following the death of former MCA Stephen Maloba, who was attacked and killed by unknown people last year.
Shiraku’s withdrawal now leaves UDA to concentrate on the Malava parliamentary by-election.
Mumia of KANU said the move by UDA was inconsequential to the race.
“This is choreography by our MP Christopher Aseka to ensure Ongoro, who is the former MCA, comes back to maintain the status quo but he’s wrong because Shuraku is my clansman, and I will inherit his support base instead of Ongoro,” he said.
“That’s a master stroke for me. I thank him. However, as our MP, he should have remained neutral and wait for the people to give him their choice of MCA because he’s like a father to all of us,” he added.
Aseka was present during Shuraku’s announcement but did not answer calls to his cell phone or respond to text messages.
Meanwhile, DAP-K deputy party leader and Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya is expected to lead the last major campaign rally in Malava on Friday.
Key leaders of the united opposition, including Fred Matiang’i, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Justin Muturi, Cleophas Malala and Kakamega senator Dr. Boni Khalwale, are expected to grace the rally at Malava Primary School.
The campaigns by the opposition have ceased being about the people of Malava but are about the disapproval rating of the Kenya Kwanza government.
Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula on Sunday said the opposition had no agenda for the people of Malava other than one term.
