IEBC clears 13 candidates for the Bonchari by election

The Independent electoral and boundaries commission (IEBC) has cleared 13 candidates to contest for the Bonchari parliamentary mini poll, slated for May 18.

The commision cleared an additional five candidates on Tuesday, who now join the 8 who had been cleared on Monday.

Those who got the green light on Tuesday include; Keraa Mary Sally Otara (United Green Movement), Zebedeo Opore (Jubilee), Erick Oigo (National Reconstruction Alliance), David Ogega (Kenya Social Congress) and Margret Gesare Nyabuto (Maendeleo Chapchap).

Others include: Kevin Mosomi(Party of Democracy Unity), Pavel Oimeke (Orange Democratic Movement), Charles Mogaka(Progressive Party of Kenya), Jonah Ondieki(The New Democrats), Jeremiah Matagaro(Agano Party) Teresa Bitutu(United Democratic Alliance), Paul Matagaro (Mwangaza party) and Victor Omanwa (Party of Economic Democracy).

Speaking after the two-day exercise, the constituency returning officer, Benson Ambuko, urged the aspirants to observe the COVID-19 protocols issued by the Ministry of health.

The Returning Officer also reminded the aspirants of the presidential order which outlawed all political gatherings and urged them to use other means such as social media to campaign.

He said the commission will hold regular meetings with the candidates to review their compliance with the COVID-19 protocol and the electoral code.

The seat fell vacant following the death of the area MP John Oroo Oyioka who succumbed to COVID-19

This is going to be the first time that the Jubilee and ODM parties are going to face each other since the handshake between President Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

ODM’s candidate is Pavel Oimeke, while Zebedeo Opore will fly the Jubilee’s flag.