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Seven candidates, vying for the Sironga ward by-election in West Mugirango constituency, have been cleared by the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC), setting the pace for a battle for votes for the D-day, scheduled for July 12th.

Bernard Sure (PPK), Raphael Achira (Kanu), Robert Nyauma (KSC) and Patrick Oichoe (Ford Kenya) are among those who have shown interest in the seat and have been cleared.

Others are Benard Onsongo (ODM), Haron Ondicho (Ford-P) and Kennedy Moindi (ODM-K).

Area IIEC elections coordinator, Benson Abwako, and his deputy, Samuel Abuga, received the candidates' papers at the commission's offices in Nyamira town.

Abwako said the candidates had between June 21 and July 10 to campaign before ballot day om 12th July.

"I urge you to abide by the elections code of conduct. Anybody who will abuse it will face the laid down disciplinary action," the officer told the candidates at Nyamira.

Abwako said malpractices including hate speeches, plucking of rivals' posters and any acts that may propagate violence will not be entertained.

The seat fell vacant about two years ago after the death of Francis Mocheche who was the ward's representative in the Nyamira Town council.

Meanwhile, a section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders from Coast Province are calling on the IIEC chairman to ensure that the forthcoming by election in Matuga constituency is free and fair.

East African Community (EAC) minister Amason Kingi said there were fears that the poll may be flawed since the constituency's voter register had several flaws.

Addressing a press conference on behalf of Coast ODM MPs in Mombasa, the minister noted that some names of voters in ODM strongholds such as Tiwi and Waa have been mispelt in the official voter register.

"This may be a ploy to rig the poll in favour of the former MP in areas we consider most friendly to us", he said, adding that if the problem is not addressed in good time, about 50 per cent of the eligible voters in the affected areas will be locked out of the poll.

He also claimed that voters were unhappy with IIEC officials deployed to at polling centres, and overall completion of the exercise in the area.

Mr Kingi said Mr. Hassan should urgently send his officers to investigate claims that some of the officials were relatives of a former transport minister and area MP Chirau Ali Mwakwere, who is also contesting for re-election.

"If such claims are true, then the poll will never be free and fair since the officials will be sympathetic to the opposing candidate and capable of doing anything to ensure he wins," he said.

The Matuga by election scheduled for July 12 will see Mwakwere (PNU), Hassan Mwanyoha (ODM), and Kassim Sawa Tandaza of (UDM) battle it out for the seat.