Bonchari mini-polls threaten to split Jubilee

By DENNIS ONYANGO

Nyanza, Kenya: A split is looming in the ruling Jubilee Coalition over the choice of candidate for the Bonchari by-election.

The election pits Kenya African National Union (Kanu) against Ford People, with both presenting candidates for the mini-poll.

Zebedeo Opore (Ford People) and the immediate former MP John Oyioka (Kanu) have both indicated they will present themselves for re-election on the same tickets in a by-election whose date is yet to be confirmed by the electoral body.

However, Oyioka has raised alarm over claims that his rival is being fronted by the alliance. The former legislator threatened to severe links with the party if the coalition throws its weight behind Opore.

“Jubilee should allow candidates from its affiliate parties to meet at the ballot or it should conduct joint nominations to field a single candidate. If this is not done, then I will be forced to rethink about the choice of party to use,” he said.

Opore has however denied the claim, terming it a show of fear. “That is an act of seeking sympathy because the coalition has not made its stand on the by-election,” he said.

Having had a taste of the parliamentary seat, the two candidates said they have laid down structures to clinch victory.

However, The National Alliance (TNA) Secretary General Onyango Oloo said the alliance will not interfere with the internal affairs of its affiliate parties.

Oloo said the Jubilee family would work in harmony to clinch victory. “We will sit down to work on how we can approach the by-election. It would be good if only one candidate flies our flag, but in case there are many contestants, we will respect that and treat them equally,” he said.