All set for Bungoma Senate by-election

Opinion polls have placed Mabonga, Wakoli and Wamunyinyi as front runners in the race to succeed Wetang'ula.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale (UDA) drummed up support for Mabonga across the nine constituencies in the county.

Ford Kenya leader Wetang'ula and a host of party MPs in the region campaigned for Wakoli.

"Wafula is an intelligent, energetic young leader who has shown great leadership in the years I have worked with him. His performance record speaks for itself," said the Speaker.

Wamunyinyi on the other hand had the backing of Western Azimio chair and former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya and immediate former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa.

"In Kakamega, we have Azimio Governor Fernandes Barasa (ODM) being checked by a Kenya Kwanza Alliance Senator Boni Khalwale (UDA). The same case is replicated in Trans Nzoia where we have George Natembeya (DAP-K) being checked by Allan Chesang (UDA), so you should elect (Wafula) Wamunyinyi (Azimio) to check Lusaka (Ford-Kenya) to ensure things run smoothly," said DAP-K patron Wamalwa.

Oparanya exuded confidence that the former MP will win the seat saying he was a level-headed politician with vast experience and therefore a better replacement for Wetang'ula.

The other candidates in the race are Elias Barasa of People's Empowerment Party and Enock Opara, Julius Masinde and Radon Munoko who are independent.

Others are Dr Fredrick Busolo of Vibrant Democracy Party, Aaron Wafula (Republican Liberty Party), Geofrey Barasa (National Ordinary People Empowerment Union) and Robert Sifuna (Roots Party of Kenya).

Dr Busolo claimed that pollsters could be misleading the voters and that the people should expect a surprise during announcement of the results.

"The pollsters and media are projecting it as a three-horse race but we have talked to be people and feel that they are indeed tired of the 'three horses' as they are old faces who have either served disgracefully or belong to the apathy that has tortured the people of Bungoma," he said.

IEBC warned the candidates of suspension should they hold rallies after close of the campaign period on Tuesday.

Rono noted that the county tallying centre will be at Mabanga Agricultural Training Centre while there are 1,373 polling stations.

The tallying centre per constituency are Elgon at Kapsokwony DEB Primary School, Sirisia at Sirisia Vocational Training Institute, Kimilili at Matili Technical Training Institute and Kabuchai at Kisiwa Technical Training Institute.

Tongaren will have Bungoma North Vocational Training Institute, Webuye West at St Antony Primary School of the deaf, Webuye East at St Mathews ACK Primary School, Kanduyi at Kibabii University and in Bumula at Kamatuni parish.

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