Wiper Democratic Movement names Kalembe Ndile, Stephen Mule its torch bearers in Kibwezi West, Matungulu by-election respectively

By DANIEL NZIA

KENYA: The Wiper Democtratic Movement (WDM) has settled on TIP leader Kalembe Ndile as its candidate for the Kibwezi parliamentary seat under CORD.

The party has also nominated the immediate former Matungulu MP Stephen Mule as its torch bearer for the October 17th by-election.

Party chairman David Musila told The Standard that they settled on the former Kibwezi MP due to his unwavering support for the party and the entire CORD coalition.

Musila said the party had also considered the unity of Makueni County in its decision to back Kalembe.

He added that the party had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kalembe that he would work with the party inside and outside parliament.

“We also considered the fact that Kalembe emerged the winner after the High Court sitting in Machakos ordered a recount of the votes”, added Musila.

Kalembe will fight it out with the outgoing MP Dr Patrick Musimba whose election as an independent candidate was revoked by the High Court over electoral malpractices.

Efforts to reach Dr Musimba for comment were fruitless as his phone went unanswered.

In Matungulu, Mr Mule was the party’s MP before the High Court nullified his election for following a successful petition by his opponents led by Thomas Musau.

“We saw no election offence Mule had committed and therefore the party will support him in his re-election bid”, declared the Kitui County Senator.

The URP Secretary General Fred Muteti told The Standard on telephone that the Jubilee alliance will field candidates in all the vacant positions.

“This is like a mini general election and Jubilee will have candidates in the October 17th by election”, said Muteti exuding confidence Jubilee will carry the day.

Lower Eastern IEBC elections coordinator Ms Ruth Kulundu said the electoral body was ready for the Matungulu and Kibwezi West parliamentary and Ilima Ward by-elections.