IEBC prepares ground for By Election in Kandara

**Kandara parliamentary election was a result of former MP Alice Wahome being appointed as the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Irrigation.** [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The electoral commission has set the ground for Thursday's By-Election which has attracted eight candidates.

The constituency electoral coordinator Ms Linnah Kilonzi has said presiding officers and polling clerks have been trained, and preparation meetings with candidates and security committees held.

"Electoral materials will be distributed to the polling centres by the electoral officials accompanied by armed security officers," she said at Ng'araria Girls' High School, the constituency tallying centre.

Kandara parliamentary election was occasioned after former MP Alice Wahome was appointed the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Irrigation by President William Ruto.

The aspirants are Kibiru PMG Junior (Usawa Kwa Wote), Samuel Kioni(TND), Titius Njau Mbuchu (Ford Asili ), Joseph Mbugua Mburu(JFD), Chege Njuguna (UDA).

Others vying independently are Pius Muiruri Muturi, David Kamweti Njuguna and Erastus Gatehi Nyoike.

Kamweti and Kibiru have alleged there was voter bribery that should be investigated.

"I have trust in IEBC in preparation for the election but security agents should be on the watch out for electoral malpractices," said Kibiru.

Njau on his part said he has managed to hold campaigns in all parts of Kandara selling his manifesto.

He said he was ready to support the improvement of schools, empowerment of farmers and issuance of bursaries to learners.

"I have related well with the Kandara people and understand their needs, thus they should elect their own," said Njau.

Usawa Party Leader Mwangi wa Iria had camped in the constituency mobilising support for Kibiru, son to late Kandara Politician PMG Kamau who was a land activist.

In the past two weeks, Murang'a leaders led by Governor Irungu Kang'ata, Senator Joe Nyutu, MPs Peter Kihungi (Kangema) and Betty Maina (Murang'a) have been campaigning for the UDA candidate Chege Njuguna.

The candidate had also met President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

Kihungi said the UDA brigade was ready to retain Kandara parliamentary seat and will mobilise campaigns in all the wards.

Chege in the General election got 19,260 votes and ranked in the second position while Wahome won with 39,009 votes.