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Former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara has challenged Prime Minister Raila Odinga to a political duel during the South Mugirango by-election.

Mr Magara, the immediate former ODM national treasurer, defected to little known People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and has vowed to retain the seat.

"Let the PM come and test the waters in South Mugirango. I am not in PNU and my party PDP is not in any arrangement with ODM and what they currently have is illegal. After we win, we shall work with likeminded people," he said.

Raila, speaking on a recent radio talk show, said Magara defected from ODM because he feared the nomination process for the party’s ticket.


Mr Abaga Sagero, a candidate for South Mugirango by-election alleged supporters of former MP Omingo Magara attacked and injured him at a function in Tabaka. Magara refuted the claims. [PHOTO: KENAN MIRUKA/STANDARD]

The PM said the party had carried out nominations in Shinyalu, Bomachoge and other constituencies and challenged PNU politicians who declared support for Magara to go ahead and campaign for him.

Speaking in Kisii, Magara termed the PM’s remarks as unfortunate.

At the same time, the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) has warned political parties against flouting electoral rules ahead of the South Mugirango by-election.

Poll rules

Addressing the Press in Kisii town after a meeting with political parties, Commission CEO James Oswago said the law would take its course.

"We have met political parties and Government security agencies to discuss the code of conduct and lay ground rules for the by-election. We exchanged views and players have understood the need to obey the law," said Mr Oswago.

Parties present included ODM, PDP, Kanu, PNU, Ford-People and Kaddu. Nyanza South Regional Commissioner Lydia Muriuki and a team of security chiefs were also present.

Separately, National Vision Party candidate Abaga Sagero alleged supporters of Magara attacked and injured him moments after he had finished addressing a gathering during a function at Tabaka.

"I had just concluded my speech when I was hit from behind with a blunt object. Hell broke loose after I finished talking and I had to be shielded as I was escorted away," he said in Ogembo town.

But Magara denied his supporters attacked Sagero and blamed him for using abusive language and incitement leading to the fracas.

Sagero reported the matter to Ogembo Police Station after he was treated and discharged from Gucha District Hospital.

Gucha OCPD Richard Ng’etich confirmed he had received a report from the aspirant, but said the meeting was not legal otherwise security would have been provided.