UHURU SUPPORTS MAGARA

The Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) has cleared eight candidates to vie in the June 10 South Mugirango by-election.

By Tuesday midday, South Mugirango Elections Co-ordinator Bonventure Obongoya had cleared Manson Nyamweya (Ford-People), Omingo Magara (PDP) and Ibrahim Ochoi (ODM).

"I expect peaceful campaigns and I believe South Mugirango constituents will make a wise decision and pick a leader who will unite them and mind their welfare," said Mr Ochoi after being cleared.

Mr Nyamweya said he was confident of a win while calling for peaceful campaigns.

"It is time for a new beginning. Just give me these two years then judge me. I have all credentials to lead our people," Nyamweya said after he arrived at Nyamarambe accompanied by hundreds of supporters.

Others cleared were Rashid Miyonga (PPK), Ezekiel Okemwa (Kenda), Joash Ombati Kengere (Labour Party of Kenya), Masta Bw’Ondara (KSC) and Robert Mbaka (Safina).

One signatory

Kanu candidate John Ondora was turned away by the elections co-ordinator for bringing a nomination certificate bearing one signatory.

He had arrived in a chopper.

Kanu Secretary-General Nick Salat signed Mr Ondora’s certificate, but Obongoya declined to accept it, saying it did not have party chairman Uhuru Kenyatta’s signature.

Also turned away was Narc-Kenya candidate Ezekiel Okeng’o for failing to avail the true party colours. One of his proposers lacked an original identity card.

Speaking outside the CDF hall where the IIEC received nomination papers, Ondora alleged mischief by Uhuru for his woes.

"I have not been cleared, but I read foul play. In Shinyalu last year, Salat signed the nomination papers for the candidate. How come South Mugirango is different," he posed.

Uhuru has indicated he supports Magara, but I must be at the ballot," Ondora said.

Kanu NEC member Abdurrahman Bafadhil accused Uhuru of sabotaging Ondora’s bid by intimidating the Registrar of Political Parties.

"We don’t support Uhuru as chairman and that is why he is frustrating us. We shall explore all options, including going to court. If Uhuru is tired of Kanu he should divorce and not use this election to settle political scores," he said.

Kaddu’s Apepo Ombasa and National Vision Party’s Abaga Sagero were yesterday afternoon expected to hand in their nomination papers.

After clearing each of the candidates, the elections coordinator emphasised the need to conduct peaceful campaigns ahead of the June 10 by-election.