By Robert Nyasato and James Mbaka
Kenya: The CORD alliance has launched a powerful team of 50 MPs to spearhead campaigns in the upcoming by-elections. It will be all systems go this week when candidates present their nomination papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Thursday and Friday.
CORD is keen on winning the Bungoma senatorial seat and Nyaribari Chache and Bomachoge Borabu parliamentary seats in the December 19 polls, plus other eight civic seats.
CORD candidate in the Bungoma Senatorial by-election Moses Wetang’ula will present his nomination papers to IEBC in Bungoma town on Friday. Co-principals Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka will back the Ford Kenya leader during process.
Thereafter, the launch of his campaign will follow in the afternoon at Posta grounds in Bungoma town.
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Over 50 MPs and several governors have confirmed attendance.
Wetang’ula is campaigning on the platform of developing Bungoma County, fighting insecurity and unity of communities in Western region.
In Kisii County, ODM has picked campaign teams led local MPs to champion the party’s course in Nyaribari Chache and Bomachoge Borabu.
This is part of ODM’s strategy to own the process of drumming up support for Dr Chris Bichage (Nyaribari Chache) and Engineer Peter Kimori (Bomachoge Borabu).
The duo were cleared last Thursday and officially handed party tickets to fly the ODM flag in the twin mini-polls billed to revive rivalry between CORD and Jubilee alliances.
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According to a campaign programme released by Orange House, Kitutu Masaba MP Timothy Bosire will lead ODM troops in the Bomachoge Borabu campaigns while his Kitutu Chache South counterpart Richard Onyonka will coordinate the Nyaribari Chache campaigns.
All the by-elections were occasioned by successful petitions.
Nyaribari Chache Constituency has so far attracted nine candidates who include Bichage (ODM), former MP Robert Monda (TNA), Richard Tong’I (Ford People) and Ken Omanga (Kanu).
And in Bomachoge Borabu the contest is shaping into a three horse race pitting rivals Kimori (ODM), Albert Nyaundi (Ford People) and immediate former MP Joel Onyancha (TNA).
