TheKamams
Member
Bonchari by-elections are expected to be conducted today an exercise that kicked-off very early in the morning in major wards across the consititueny.
However what has made many interested in the by-election is the fact that major political heavyweights in the country are meeting again through their various candidates whom they have front-lined to battle for the vacate that was left after the death MP John Oroo Oyieka.
Yesterday, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission was finalizing plans for the by-elections that has attracted 13 candidates. ODM Leader Raila Odinga, Deputy President William Ruto and Cabinet Secretary Interior and National Coordination Fred Matiang'i all have paraded candidates whom they have campaigned for to make sure that they win.
CS Fred Matiangi, who feels that he is the Gusii Kingpin through former area MP Zebedeo John Opore who is vying through Jubilee ticket against ODM Pavel Oimeke and Ruto-allied party fronted Teresa Bitutu widow of the former MP.
Photo: ODM Candidate Pavel Oineke
Matiangi has high hopes that Jubilee will retain the seat as in 2017 the ODM party won the women Rep, senatorial and gubernatorial slots go home however went empty handed on parliamentary seats having won none.
While ODM is seeking to consolidate its support in Kisii which is regarded as one of its stronghold, Matiang’i is said to be keen on ensuring Jubilee Party wins to weigh his support in the area. Ruto on the other hand is seeking to penetrate the Nyanza region in order to consolidate support from the region ahead of 2022. Early this, Ruto in the Nyanza region received a big blow after his candidates failed to clinch a seat at Matungu and Kabuchai by-election questioning is forces in the region.
The Orange party and UDA are have been seen to have high chances of winning the polls however candidates who are going independently have vowed to give the two a run for their money and dilute their political attachment in the region by defeating them.
As the elections continues, drama has been witnessed after UDA party agents were arrested. in Ruiri constituency were a by-election is also underway.Party Secretary General Veronica Maina says the two were arrested outside Rurii Polytechnic and are currently being held at Ol Kalou police station. "Their car was detained and phones confiscated.
ODM candidate Pavel Oimeke also claimed bribery allegations and condemned the heavy presence of police in Bonchari citing intimidation of the voters in the region.
Who will carry the day, Raila, Ruto or Matiang'i?