Bungoma Senate candidates hit ground ahead of December mini-poll

By , October 12, 2022

Candidates for Bungoma Senate seat have hit the ground running ahead of the December 8 by-election.

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commision (IEBC) also set the by-elections for five wards across the country to be held on the same date.

“By-election for Ololmasani, Kyome/Thaana, Utawala, Mumias North and South Gem Wards in Narok, Kitui, Nairobi, Kakamega and Siaya county Assemblies, respectively are scheduled for December 8,” IEBC announced last week.

 Bungoma residents will head back to the ballot to elect their senator after the seat was declared vacant last Friday by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi. The move follows Moses Wetangula’s election as the National Assembly Speaker.

Political parties are required to hold primaries on October 19 before presenting their candidate.

The race to succeed Wetang’ula had already gained momentum as those eyeing the seat had started criss-crossing the county to endear themselves to electorates.

Those who have shown interest to vie on Ford Kenya include, Moses Nandalwe who contested for Sirisia parliamentary seat on ODM but lost to John Waluke.

Declare interest

Also in the race is Bungoma East Knut Executive Secretary Aggrey Namisi, who vied for the Webuye East MP seat on an ODM ticket but lost to Ford Kenya’s Martin Wanyonyi Pepela.

Businessman Joseph Waswa, is also salivating for the seat on Ford Kenya ticket.

Robert Sifuna, a hawker, has also declared interest on Ford Kenya ticket. Ford Kenya leaders have, however, endorsed Wetang’ula’s long-time aide, Wafula Wakoli as their candidate.

Former Bumula MP Mwambu Mabonga is eyeing the seat on United Democratic Alliance ticket.

Others are Rev Herman Kasili of United Democratic Party and.

Jacob Machacha of Federal Party of Kenya.

Some Ford Kenya aspirants have dismissed claims that the party has already settled on Wakoli as its preferred flag bearer.

Led by Waswa, the aspirants said those seeking the party ticket will square it out on nominations.

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