Crowded races: 56 to fight out for MP seats in November 27 by-elections

The stage is set for a fierce political showdown with the IEBC officially confirming 56 candidates will battle for one Senate and six National Assembly seats in the upcoming November 27 by-elections.

The list of nominated candidates published by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission in the Kenya Gazette sets the scene for competitive races across the constituencies.

The list, released by IEBC chairman Erastus Ethekon, features a crowded field of contenders for some of the seats, and also speaks to the high-stakes interest by notable political players in the country.

The race for the Baringo Senate seat has attracted six contenders. They include UDA’s Chemitei Cheburet, Shadrack Kaplawat of Alliance for Change Party, and Samuel Letasio of Kenya Moja Movement.

David Kipruto will fly the flag of the Republican Liberty Party (RLP), Chebon Benjamin for the New Democrats (TND) and Daniel Kurui of Umoja Na Maendeleo Party (UMP).

The contest is poised to be a key indicator of President William Ruto’s political strength in the Rift Valley region.

It has not been free of intrigues, part of which saw former Senator Gideon Moi withdraw his candidature after talks with the President.

The by-elections for Member of National Assembly will be held in six constituencies, with 50 candidates throwing their hats into the ring.

A crowded field of 10 candidates will vie for the Magarini seat, among them Harrison Kombe of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), who held the seat before the courts nullified his election.

He is facing off with Karisa Kenga of the Rigathi Gachagua-led Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Chengo Ngumbao of the Democratic National Alliance, Jacob Kwicha of the Federal Party of Kenya and Amos Kalama, who is running on an independent ticket.

The race has also attracted Sarah Gakahu of the Kenya Moja Movement (KMM), John Masha of the Kenya Social Congress (KSC), Hamadi Karisa of the Roots Party, Kitsao Kalama of The We Alliance Party (TWAP) and Samuel Kombe of Kalonzo Musyoka-led Wiper Patriotic Front.

A direct two-horse race is expected in Banissa pitting Ahmed Hassan of UDA against Nurdin Mohamed of the United Progressive Alliance.

Eight candidates are in the running for the Mbeere North seat, among them Leo Wa Muthende of UDA, Newton Ndwiga of the Democratic Party, Murithi Njeru of the Alliance for Change Party and Duncan Mbui of Moses Kuria’s Chama Cha Kazi.

The race has also attracted Daniel Ngari of Kenya Moja Movement, Albert Murimi of National Vision Party, Lawrence Iteri of Safina, Mwaura Waiharo of Umoja Na Maendeleo Party and Ngiri Muringi of United Progressive Alliance.

The Malava contest features nine candidates, including David Athman Ndakwa of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Edgar Busiega of DCP, whom Cleophas Malala had indicated as having withdrawn from the race in favour of Seth Panyako of DAP-K, is also featured.

Others are James Angatia of AFC, Joab Manyasi of Democratic National Alliance, Shivakale Bruce of Entrust Pioneer, Wilberforce Indai of Kenya Moja, Benjamin Nakwa of NOPEU and Ngaira Oyugi of Party of Democratic Unity.

Ten candidates are contesting for the Ugunja seat, where ODM has fronted Moses Omondi to retain the seat once held by Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi.

It has also attracted Lilian Aketch of AFC, Maurice Okumu of Federal Party, Eric Ochieng of Jubilee, Chrisphine Omondi of Kanu, Vincent Olengo of Kenya Moja and Oliver Ochuka of National Liberal Party (NLP).

Fredrick Ochiel of UDM, Benson Otieno of United Green Movement (UGM) and Johannes Orodi of Wiper also want to replace Wandayi.

For the Kasipul race, there are nine candidates, including three independents. ODM has fronted former MP Ong’ondo Were’s son, Boyd, as its candidate for the high-stakes race.

Also fighting out are Jesse Samson Okello of the Democratic National Alliance, and independents Linda Aoko, Philip Aroko, and Robert Bior.

Kenya Moja has fronted Isaac Abok with Robert Ouma, trying his hand through the Labour Party.

Ugenya MP David Ochieng’s Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) has also fronted Collins Omondi, while NLP has Ishmael Oyoo and Sam Rateng, fronted by United Progressive Alliance.

The IEBC has urged all candidates and their supporters to maintain peace and adhere to the electoral code of conduct throughout the campaign period.

With the list now official, Kenyans in the affected areas are bracing for a month of intense political campaigns ahead of the November 27 poll.