Peace calls as clans race to replace Ojode

Peace calls as clans race to replace Ojode

FRIDAY, 27 JULY 2012 00:04 BY SAMUEL OTIENO

Campaigns for the Ndhiwa by-elections are headed for the home stretch and aspirants eyeing the parliamentary seats have engaged the top gear. Although political parties have not set the dates for nominating their candidates, the announcement by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission that the by-election will be held in September has heightened the campaign mood.

Several aspirants this week called for unity and an end to clan politics as well for peaceful campaigns. So far, more 15 candidates have expressed interest in the seat that fell vacant following the death of Orwa Ojode in a helicopter crash on June 10. Aspirants who have hit the ground include US-based businessman Mike Agwanda, Neto Oyugi, Tom Obondo, Monica Amolo, Owiti Jeremiah, Oyoo Kanyangi ,J.M. Ojuang’, Mireje Onyando, Hannington Orata, Beatrice Ogola and Dr Martin Owino as well as Joshua Orero who is currently campaigning on behalf of his brother Dennis Orero who was trounced by Ojode in the last general Election. Several other people from the constituency have expressed interest in the seat but are yet to start their campaigns.

Yesterday, Agwanda called on Ndhiwa residents to embrace peace during the campaigns. Agwanda was reacting to an incident where supporters of two aspirants clashed at a funeral at the weekend. ''Clan politics, which has been at play during elections in the constituency should be a thing of the past if the constituents want to have good leaders,'' said Agwanda. The aspirants are banking on their clans for support.

The Kabuoch clan that has majority voters in the constituency has produced many candidates to battle it out with other clans such as Kwabwayi, Kanyikella and Kanyamwa. Kanyamwa has a population of 56,000,Kabuoch 61,000, Kwabwai 31,000, Kanyidoto with 16,000 and Kanyikela 6,000. The candidates are eyeing an ODM ticket even though the party has not announced the date for nominations.

The ODM nominations are predicted to be a tricky test for the party especially if the candidate selected does not reflect the wishes of party supporters at the grassroots. Aspirants seeking the ODM ticket have been trying to outdo each at funerals and other social gatherings. The stakes have been raised in Ndhiwa after civil society groups came up with the idea of a public debate to discuss the candidates.