ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi’s efforts to deliver 70 per cent of Western votes to Deputy President William Ruto's basket seem to be an uphill task.
Mudavadi is banking on grassroots leaders to deliver the votes.
But his efforts received a blow after IEBC declined to clear Sabatia MP Alfred Agoi of ANC for Vihiga governor seat because his running mate Vincent Mmaitsi did not resign on time.
Mmaitsi resigned on May 10, 2022, instead of the stipulated timeline of February 9.
Agoi unsuccessfully tried to convince IEBC returning officer Peter Tiyo to clear him.
The lawmaker had a hard time trying to calm his protesting supporters.
"I'm surprised that the IEBC returning officer has refused to clear me because my running mate failed to resign on time. I'm the one going to face the electorate, not my running mate. He should clear me so that I go on with my campaigns," Agoi said.
“I’m not going out of the race until I have explored all legal avenues to seek justice.”
Tiyo, while addressing the press, said Agoi has until Tuesday to correct the mess before presenting himself for clearance.
“He needs to go to the IEBC head office in Nairobi to change his running mate's name before Tuesday, June 7, 2022,” the IEBC official said.
"We can still clear him to contest if he changes the running mate. We have given him up to Tuesday to correct the mess and come back for clearance," he added.
Mudavadi has asked Vihiga residents to vote for all ANC candidates seeking various seats in the county to make him stronger in Kenya Kwanza.
"I ask the good people of Vihiga to elect all ANC candidates so that you spare me from embarrassment. If you elect many ANC MCAs, MPs, senator and governor, you will make me strong in Kenya Kwanza," Mudavadi said.
Edited by A.N
