Three candidates cleared for Bungoma Senate duel

By DANIEL PSIRMOI and GRACE WEKESA

Three candidates have been cleared by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to contest for the Bungoma senatorial seat.

Former Cabinet minister Musikari Kombo, former Bumula MP Bifwoli Wakoli and journalist David Makali received the IEBC green light yesterday, a day before the start of the official campaigns.

Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula is also expected to be cleared today. The poll is slated for December 19.

First to be cleared was Wakoli, the Labour Party of Kenya candidate. An hour later, Kombo accompanied by Amani leaders Musalia Mudavadi, Eugene Wamalwa and Reginalda Wanyonyi arrived with their of supporters. Wakoli exuded confidence that he will capture the seat and warned his competitors to underrate him at their own peril.

Speaking after he was handed his nomination certificate, the former Lands assistant minister said those viewing him as an underdog will be shocked when the results are announced next month.

“It is said in our community that the ugly man you look down upon may just turn out to be a boyfriend to your mother. Most people don’t take me seriously. I am now in the ballot. I am going to conduct vigorous campaigns and I am sure the people of Bungoma will elect me as their senator.”