‘Azimio must win Bungoma, Elgeyo Marakwet by-elections,’ Olekina tells Raila ahead of campaigns
By Wycliffe Nyamasege, October 30, 2022
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina now says Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition has no option but to win the forthcoming Bungoma and Elgeyo Marakwet by-elections.
Azimio suffered a shocking defeat in the August presidential election igniting a blame game over the coalition’s strategy in the period leading up to the polls.
In the latest appeal to the Azimio leadership, Senator Olekina suggested the coalition should change tact if it’s to win the seats that fell vacant following recent government appointments.
Olekina on Sunday, October 30, urged the coalition leader Raila Odinga to ensure the forthcoming campaigns are issue-based.
According to the outspoken legislator, Azimio should focus on, among others, the country’s economy which has seen the cost of living hit the roof.
The lawmaker also expressed concerns over the composition of the government, alleging that 88 per cent of the top state appointments are from President William Ruto’s North Rift and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Mount Kenya regions.
“We must win Bungoma and Elgeyo Marakwet bi-elections Raila Odinga this time we focus 100% on issues – look at the cost of living. Voters need to understand that the price of Unga will not come down, fuel prices high and 18 year old taxed! The govt 88% Mt Kenya & North Rift, ” Olekina said in a tweet.
We must win Bungoma and Elgeyo Marakwet bi-elections @RailaOdinga this time we focus 💯 % on issues – look at the cost of living. Voters need to understand that the price of Unga will not come down, fuel prices high and 18 year old taxed! The govt 88% Mt Kenya & North Rift
— Sen. Ledama Olekina (@ledamalekina) October 30, 2022
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has scheduled the Bungoma Senatorial by-election for December 8, 2022. The seat fell vacant following the election of Senator Moses Wetang’ula as National Assembly Speaker.
On the other hand, the mini-poll for Elegeyo Marakwet’s senatorial position will be conducted on January 5, 2023.
By-elections for Kandara, and Garissa Township parliamentary positions, and the Member of County Assembly (MCA) position for Shella ward, Lamu county will be held on the same day.
Kandara’s parliamentary seat was previously occupied by Alice Wahome who was recently sworn in as Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Water and Sanitation.
Garissa Township MP seat was previously occupied by Aden Duale, who is serving as the CS for Defence whereas the Elegeyo Marakwet senatorial position was previously occupied by Kipchumba Murkomen who is the current CS for Transport and Public works.