The Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has so far cleared 13 Candidates for the Bonchari by-election which is slated for May 18th this year.
The final five contestants presented their nomination papers yesterday at IEBC’s office in Suneka Town of Bonchari constituency among them being former legislators Mary Otara and Zebedeo Opore of Green Movement Party and Jubilee Party respectively.
Others who were handed certificates by Bonchari’s Returning Officer Benson Ambua included Eric Oigo of National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA), David Ogega of Kenya Social Congress (KSC) and Margaret Nyabuto of Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC).
The candidates expressed optimism they will win the mini-poll despite Covid-19 pandemic challenges saying they will conduct their campaigns with strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols such us holding door to door campaigns and meetings with a limit of up to 15 persons.
Ms Mary Otara who is a former MP and Jubilee’s Zebedeo Opore assured residents that they will complete developments projects left pending by the late legislator if elected.
National Reconstruction Alliance’s candidate, Eric Oigo was optimistic of clinching the seat saying he is the only visionary leader among the aspirants
Maendeleo Chap Chap’s Margaret Nyabuto vowed to uplift education standards in the area once elected and urged the electorate to observe peace and calmness in the mini-poll.
Other Candidates included ODM’s Pavel Oimeke, the Late John Oyioka’s widow Teresa Bitutu of United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Kevin Mosomi of Party of Democracy and Unity (PDU), Victor Omanwa of Party of Economic Democracy (PED), Jonah Ondieki of The New Democrats (TND), Charles Mogaka of Progressive Party of Kenya (PPK), Paul Matagaro of Mwangaza Tu Party and Jeremiah Atancha of Agano Party.
The seat fell vacant on February 15 this year following the demise of MP John Oroo Oyioka who succumbed to a long illness.
By Clinton Nyamumbo and Jane Naitore
