IEBC clears ODM, JAP and Labour candidates for Malindi by-election
Labour Party of Kenya (LPK) candidate Mr Attas Sharrif Ali receives a certificate from Malindi Constituency Returning Officer Stephen Karani on February 8, 2016 after he was cleared to contest in March 7 by-election. PHOTO | SAMUEL KAZUNGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- LPK candidate Attas Sharriff was also cleared to contest.
- Kilifi County Governor Amason Kingi said the coastal region is one of ODM’s strongholds.
ODM, Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) and Labour Party of Kenya candidates have been cleared to contest in the March 7 Malindi parliamentary by-election.
Mr William Mtengo was declared the sole ODM candidate by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Returning Officer Stephen Karani at 8.30 Monday morning.
He was given a certificate that officially allows him to contest the parliamentary seat.
LPK candidate Attas Sharriff was also cleared to contest.
JAP candidate Phillip Charo was cleared at noon.
He was accompanied by National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale, Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung’aro, Taveta MP Naomi Shaban, Kilifi South MP Mustafa Idi and Kwale Women Representative Zainab Chidzuga.
Other candidates set to be cleared by IEBC are David Mangi of Shirikisho party and Nelson Gunga of the Federal Party of Kenya
The seat fell vacant after Mr Dan Kazungu, an ODM MP, was nominated Mining Cabinet Secretary by President Uhuru Kenyatta in November last year.
After receiving his certificate for IEBC, Mr Mtengo expressed confidence that he will win the parliamentary seat.
Jubilee candidate Phillip Charo (right) is congratulated by other Jubilee politicians at the IEBC offices in Malindi, moment after he was cleared by IEBC to run for the seat. PHOTOS | KAZUNGU SAMUEL | NATION MEDIA GROUP
ODM leaders, who accompanied Mr Mtengo, said they will campaign to ensure the party recaptures the seat.
Kilifi County Governor Amason Kingi said the coastal region is one of ODM’s strongholds.
“It’s true that coast people want to be in government, but they are not ready to be in any government, certainly not the Jubilee government”, he said.
Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, who also accompanied Mr Mtengo, said they will campaign to ensure ODM wins the seat
On Sunday, Cord leaders Raila Odinga, Moses Wetang’ula and Kalonzo Musyoka said the Malindi by-election is a “test on how the coalition will win the 2017 general elections”.
“Jubilee’s idea of reducing our MPs will not succeed. We have come to show them that we are ready to win this election by dawn,” said Mr Odinga.
Mr Musyoka said the party won Kajiado Central parliamentary seat after the then ODM MP Joseph Nkaissery was nominated Interior Cabinet Secretary.
Mr Wetang’ula said the outcome of the by-election will be a clear message to the Jubilee government on how Kenyans will vote in the 2017 poll.
