What Bonchari feat means for Raila, Ruto

Pavel Oimeke of ODM acknowledges his supporters after being elected the member of parliament for Bonchari constituency in the by-election. (Collins Oduor, Standard)

The Orange Democratic Movement candidate’s win in the Bonchari by-election has emboldened the party whose fortunes had been dwindling following losses in the Msambweni and Matungu by-elections, its officials and analysts say.

The former Energy Regulatory Authority Director General Pavel Oimeke’s victory further galvanised ODM leader Raila Odinga’s presidential ambitions in the wake of the formation of One Kenya Alliance and a stiff challenge from Deputy President William Ruto.