3 bow out of Malindi race as IEBC clears two others

Three candidates have dropped out of the Malindi parliamentary by-election citing lack of resources to mount a serious campaign.

This came as less-known parties warned Jubilee and CORD not to underrate them.

And National Assembly Majority leader Aden Duale on Monday evening urged Malindi voters to “elect an educated and articulate candidate who is fluent in English and Kiswahili”, in reference to Jubilee candidate Philip Charo.

Kadu Asili Party candidate for the Malindi constituency by-election Reuben Katana (centre) displays his nomination certificate outside IEBC offices yesterday. He was accompanied by party leader and Kaloleni MP Gunga Mwinga. (PHOTO: GIDEON MAUNDU/ STANDARD)

Mr Duale accused CORD of plotting to rig the by-election and bribe voters with ill-gotten wealth. He advised the electorate “not to elect tyrants” and a party that will “remain the opposition”.

Kanu candidate Faud Kombe and Maendeleo Democratic Party’s Farhan Mohamed bowed out but refused to back any of the remaining candidates. The two wrote to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) yesterday informing the commission of their decision to drop out.

The by-election’s returning officer Stephen Karani said Ahmed Maamun of the National Agenda Party failed to present his nomination papers and IEBC assumed he had dropped out.

“Yes the two aspirants wrote to us saying they have ended their race while a third one did not show up and we think he has dropped out,” said Mr Karani.

Mr Kombe said Kanu ended the race on grounds that winning the seat was “unattainable” due to lack of resources and support.

On Monday, Kanu national organising secretary Abdirahaman Bafadhil said the party had decided to back Attas Sharrif of Labour Party of Kenya.

more candidates

Meanwhile, the IEBC yesterday cleared two more candidates, taking the number of contestants to seven. Ruben Katana of Kadu Asili Party arrived at IEBC offices at 8.30am riding on a donkey and accompanied by party leader and Kaloleni MP Gunga Mwinga.

Katana, a former Kenyatta University student leader, said he was offering alternative leadership to the electorate, saying that “even if I don’t have money like my competitors I will continue to sell my policies”.

Peter Ponda of Chama Cha Uzalendo (CCU) was also cleared to contest despite objection by party chairman Maur Bwanamaka, who had on Monday declared that his party would support Charo’s candidature.

Ponda and CCU Secretary General Sadhal Philippe dismissed Bwanamaka whom they claimed was not recognised by the party.