Tabitha Karanja has been cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to contest the Nakuru senatorial seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket.

Karanja — who had been turned away on Monday for failing to present crucial documents, among them the party’s nomination certificate — sighed with relief. Speaking thereafter, she said she would hit the ground running, adding that she was confident of clinching the seat.

“ I expect to change the dynamics of Nakuru by ensuring all interests of residents are catered for,” said Karanja. She will face off with Lawrence Karanja (Jubilee), and John Mututho (ODM), who have already been cleared for the race.

In Baringo, senatorial aspirant William Cheptumo pledged to give maximum support to the establishment of large cooperative societies to spur economic growth in the county.

Support traders

Speaking at Kabarnet’s Municipal Market after being cleared by IEBC, Cheptumo said many small-scale traders were not benefiting from their endeavours owing to accrued debts.

The third time Baringo North legislator (UDA) said that if he secures the senatorial seat, he would team up with the county governor to make sure that traders constitute a co-operative group where the many existing women societies would borrow cheap loans to boost their enterprises.

The MP, flanked by his wife, said: “It will be easier for group members to organise themselves into co-operative societies since interest rates are much lower”.

The legislator said he would team up with other senators to upscale resource allocation to counties for prudent utilisation.

Mega dam projects in the county — like Chemususu, Kirandich, Amaya, Radat and Perekei in Koibatek, Baringo Central, and Tiaty South and North, respectively — require huge funding beyond the county allocations, he said. He will be battling it out with Senator Gideon Moi, cleared on Monday by IEBC to defend his seat on a Kanu ticket.Women aspirants

Also cleared were Gilgil MP Martha Wangari and her Naivasha counterpart Jane Kihara, who are defending their seats on UDA tickets.

Wangari urged residents to be peaceful, noting that Gilgil town would be there during and after the polls.

Speaking in Gilgil after she was cleared, the MP termed the process as smooth. “We have held a meeting with the security team and vowed, as aspirants, to lead from the front in conducting peaceful campaigns,” she said.

Wangari is seeking a second term in office. She challenged the youth to shun politicians keen on using them to cause chaos.

On her part, Kihara exuded confidence that she would capture the seat for the second time. Speaking in Naivasha, she urged her competitors to preach and practice peace.

“The process by IEBC was very smooth. It’s now upon us, aspirants, to go to the ground and start peaceful campaigns,” she said.

Others cleared for the Naivasha race on the last day were Anthony Rebo (ODM). He said: “Naivasha has high potential but poor representation has left the voters suffering. It’s time to change that”.

Jubilee candidate Ndegwa Nguthiru said his team had taken an oath of peace,  adding that the polls would come and go. “We shall lead from the front in conducting peaceful elections. We are confident that we have the backing of Naivasha residents,” he said.