Candidates hand in papers for Kericho poll

Three of six candidates in the Kericho by-election presented their nomination papers to the polls team yesterday.

Former Kipkelion MP Daniel Tanui, who is the National Vision Party candidate in the race, was the first one to present his documents to the county's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Returning Officer Moses Sunkuli.

Maendeleo Democratic Party candidate Wyclef Ngeno and National Agenda Party's Johnstone Kirui also presented their papers.

Former Kipkelion Member of Parliament (MP) Bishop Daniel Tanui speaks after being cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Tanui who is also the National Vision Party (NVP) candidate in the race was the first at 11:20 a.m. to present his documents to the county's IEBC Returning Officer, Moses Sunkuli. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Kanu candidate Paul Sang, also hoping to replace Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter in the Senate, is expected to present his nomination papers to the electoral body today.

Mr Sang came a distant second to Keter in the 2013 General Election.

United Democratic Movement candidate Paul Sigei and the Jubilee candidate, 31-year-old Aaron Cheruiyot, are also expected to present their papers today.

Mr Sunkuli said the two-day activity was a culmination of a nomination conference IEBC had held with the candidates on February 3.

"The process involves scrutinising various documents such as the candidate's national identification and voter registration documents. It also includes determining whether they have filled the forms correctly and abide by the requirements in the nomination statutory forms," he said.

The IEBC official said the clearance of the candidates also marked the beginning of the official campaign period.

Speaking after being cleared to contest for the seat, Bishop Tanui expressed confidence that he would be the next Kericho senator.

"I know the residents have not forgotten my development agenda when I was the commerce and industry assistant minister and they would vote for me since I am the only candidate in the bunch who will match his words with actions," he said.

Tanui challenged IEBC to ensure that the election is free and fair. "IEBC has so far demonstrated it is eager to hold a free and fair poll and we hope when the winner is announced on March 8, he will be the person the electorate voted for," he said.