Newcomers enthusiastic in crowded race to replace Khalwale in the Senate

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale addressing residents of Kabras at Mahira Secondary School in Kakamega on December 26, 2016. He has dismissed an opinion poll favouring ODM leader Raila Odinga against other Nasa principals. FILE POTO | ISAAC WALE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Already major political outfits namely Nasa and Jubilee have identified candidates expected to battle it out in August 8 election.
  • Political activist, Mr Stanley Livondo, will be flying the Jubilee Party flag and believes he is a cut above all the rest.  

New faces have emerged in the quest to replace Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who seeks to oust Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

Dr Khalwale is in the process of identifying a running mate ahead of official launch of his campaigns early next month.

Financial muscle and party popularity could be a determining factor on who would succeed the senator.

Already major political outfits namely Nasa and Jubilee have identified candidates expected to battle it out in August 8 election.

Speculations are rife that former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo could join the Senate race.

He lost by a slight margin to Dr Khalwale in the last election.

Dr Kenneth Bukachi, a pharmacist, Eng Justus Wabuyabo and Kenya National Union of Nurses (Knun) Secretary-General Seth Panyako will battle it out in ODM nominations.

Maendeleo Democratic Party has fronted political analyst Martin Andati, who believes he will upset his rivals because the dynamics that determined the outcome of 2013 are no longer in play.

Dr Bukachi, who enjoys a cordial relationship with both Mr Oparanya and Mr Khalwale, believes his academic expertise and experience in the pharmaceutical sector will give him upper hand against his rivals.

He has worked for two decades with Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) in-charge of 13 counties in Western Kenya. 

“I contributed to the increase of health facilities in Kakamega from 75 in 2004 to the current 156,” he said.

On the other hand, Mr Wabuyabo presents himself as a fresh blood.

“I am the strongest ODM candidate and I am hoping to clinch the ticket and win against my rivals,” he said.

MY AGENDA

Ford-K has not shown interest fielding a candidate and could possibly rally behind either ANC or ODM candidate.  

Former Kakamega Deputy Speaker Cleophas Malala will battle it out for ANC ticket with former director of Lake Basin Development Authority, Mr Alex Mukabwa, who has mounted campaigns across the county drumming up support for himself and ANC chief Musalia Mudavadi. 

Political activist, Mr Stanley Livondo, will be flying the Jubilee Party flag and believes he is a cut above all the rest.  

He says he is more prepared both logistically and physically for the race adding that he cannot see any threat among those running. 

If elected, I will be looking into agriculture and tourism promotion.

"You don’t need to be a governor to serve people but you must have connections and network," he said.  

Mr Livondo said the people will have to choose a senator based on the capacity of the candidate to perform and not party affiliation. 

As election date draws closer, rival parties are busy tightening loose ends and aspirants rolling up their sleeves for the tough duel ahead. 

Residents who spoke to the Saturday Nation said they want a person with a capacity to address real issues on the ground, adding that the incumbent, Dr Khalwale, was more a national figure in the Senate.