Campaigns for Bonchari by-election are on the homestretch with supporters of United Democratic Alliance (UDA’s) candidate, Teresa Bitutu Oyioka accusing security officers of harassing them ahead of polls slated for May 18.

Consequently, the supporters have appealed to the government to allow supporters of all candidates conduct the campaigns peacefully for voters to decide the fate of the candidates at the ballot.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) party leader, Omingo Magara, who supports Bitutu said they will not allow police to intimidate their supporters on flimsy grounds for selfish political gain.

Speaking in Kisii town before 12 UDA Committee members arrested at Angelic ECDE College in Suneka town on Sunday for flouting Covid 19, he alleged it was a deliberate move to derail the campaign for Bitutu.

The suspects were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Nathan Lutta on Monday, denied the charges and were released on a cash bail of Ksh5000 each.

He urged Interior Cabinet Minister, Dr Fred Matiang’I to intervene so that police officers do not harass, intimidate and arrest supporters of candidates to avoid conflicts.

“We expect peaceful campaigns and free, fair and peaceful elections. Bitutu is a front runner and should be given her space even if she gets one vote,” Magara told press in Kisii town. 

The PDP leader, flanked by Senatorial Aspirant, Okeng’o Nyambane and UDA’s Committee chairman, Mike Moenga said the party’s supporters are observing Covid-19 protocols, adding they will not be cowed and will continue campaigning for Bitutu till she wins.

Magara said he decided to support the widow to the former area lawmaker John Oroo Oyioka, who was elected through PDP so that she can retain the seat and complete projects started by his late husband.

Bonchari voters noted that the former South Mugirango lawmaker was mature and should be left to conduct their campaigns and elect their leader.

Elsewhere, Kisii County Jubilee Party Secretary, Isaac Motari has appealed to the county government implementing projects in the constituency to complete them before the elections.

He noted the county is opening up village roads amid heavy rain pounding the area and implored it to murram them so that they are passable.

“The roads are incomplete and farmers have problems ferrying agricultural goods from farms to markets. The government should take advantage of the dry spell to complete them” Motari told People Daily on phone.

The 13 candidates include Bitutu-UDA party, Mary Otara – United Green Movement Party (UGM), Zebedeo Opore – Jubilee, Pavel Oimeke – ODM, Jonah Ondieki – The New Democrats (TND), Jeremiah Atancha – Agano Party, Paul Matagaro – Mwangaza Tu and Eric Oigo – National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA).

Others include Victor Omanwa – Party of Economic Democracy (PED), Teresa Gesare – Maendeleo Chap Chap, David Ogega – Kenya Social Congress, Mogaka – PPK and Kevin Mosomi – Party of Democracy Unity (PDU).