Aspirants intensify campaigns

By KENAN MIRUKA

BOMACHOGE, KENYA: Candidates in the Bomachoge Borabu by-election intensified door-to-door campaigns with only ten days remaining to voting.

However, anxiety is high in the constituency ahead of the Court of Appeal ruling on a petition filed by immediate former MP Joel Onyancha seeking to overturn the High Court verdict that saw him lose his seat in October.

A three-judge bench led by Justice Wanjiru Karanja sitting in Kisumu last week announced they will deliver the ruling in Nairobi at 2.30pm. 

Candidates who spoke to The Standard conceded the expected ruling had slowed down campaigns.

Seven candidates were cleared by the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission to vie for the seat during the December 19 by-election.

Mr Onyancha seeks to defend his seat on a TNA ticket and he faces a stern challenge from Albert Nyaundi (Ford People), Peter Kimori (ODM), Josiah Maaga (UDF) and Samson Mbeche (PPK). Christopher Siambe (KNC) and Nixon Nicodemus (Narc-K) are also in the race.

Yesterday, UDF’s Mr Maaga addressed supporters at Nyabiore tea buying centre where he pledged to transform the local economy.

“I am in this race to win and bring development to our people. It is worrying that in this day and age, the constituency has poor roads and our hospitals are in a deplorable state,” said Maaga.

 He refuted claims he was a ‘project’ planted to limit chances of other candidates getting votes from his Bombaba clan. “I have never been a project of anybody whatsoever, I am determined to serve my people with the backing of the youth,” he said.

Strategy meetings

At the weekend, ODM’s Kimori held strategy meetings with his supporters in various wards within the constituency. Key party leaders are expected in the constituency to drum up support for his bid towards the end of this week.

“I plan to revamp the basic infrastructure in this constituency with focus on roads and schools. We shall partner with a Chinese investor to set up a motorcycle assembly plant in Kenyenya,” said Kimori.

Mr Nyaundi also held meetings at Mokubo, Eberege, Nyagancha, Magenche and Magena trading centres. He pledged to address the development challenges the constituency faces.