Former MPs get the nod to settle old ballot scores

Background: Rich heritage of former leaders

Makadara constituency measures 20km square. It has changed names three times from Donholm in 1963 and 1969, then to Bahati in 1974 and lastly Makadara in 1997. Among its former prominent MPs are President Kibaki and Mr Fred Omido.

Precedent: Always a ring for businesspeople

Starehe constituency was created in 1966 and consists of central and northern parts of Nairobi. Most of its MPs have been businesspeople. Property tycoon Gerishon Kirima represented the area in the 1980s and the late Steve ‘Magic’ Mwangi in the 1990s

At least seven candidates were on Wednesday cleared for the Starehe and Makadara parliamentary by-elections.

The Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) certified former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru (ODM) nomination papers as her supporters broke into song and dance.

The returning officer, Mr Peter Muigai, said he was waiting to certify the nominations of Mr Jackson Mwangi of Narc-Kenya and Mr Eddie Mwangi of National Agenda Party on Wednesday.

Former Cabinet minister Maina Kamanda of PNU, who successfully filed a petition against Bishop Wanjiru’s election, will present his papers on Thursday at the Kenya Institute of Education.

Mr David Wakahu Ng’ang’a, who came third in the last elections with 19,541 votes, will contest on a National Patriotic Party ticket. He is the chairman of the Political Parties Forum and treasurer of Centre for Multi-Party Democracy. 

In Makadara, former MP Dick Wathika (PNU) was cleared at the Railways Training Institute. IIEC official George Hamisi said Mr Gideon Kioko (Narc-Kenya), Ms Stella Mbai (Ford-People) and Mr Joshua Muia Kitivi (ODM-Kenya) also presented their papers.

Mr Reuben Ndolo (ODM), who filed the petition that led to nullification of Mr Wathika’s election, will submit his papers on Thursday. Also expected is youthful contestant Linda Ajiambo Wafula of Nuru Party.

A newcomer, Ms Pollyne Anyango Owoko, has also expressed interest in the seat. It was, however, not clear whether businessman Jimnah Mbaru would run for the Starehe seat on a DP ticket as earlier reported as he was yet to pick his nomination certificate from the party on Wednesday.

DP vice-chairman Rishad Amana said the party had prepared a certificate for Mr Mbaru but he was yet to collect it. The candidates had on Wednesday and Thursday to present their nomination papers to the IIEC. Mr Muigai assured Starehe voters of free and fair elections.

“The IIEC is not in the business of messing up elections. The outcome of the elections will reflect the wishes of locals,” Mr Muigai said. He directed candidates to wait for the official campaign period to start seeking support from their respective voters.

Speaking to the media shortly after presenting her papers, Bishop Wanjiru was elated that she had been handed the party ticket without going through primaries.

“It has not been easy coming this far,” she said. The head of Jesus is Alive Ministries said she was confident of reclaiming the seat, saying she had unfinished development business.