It’s all systems go as IEBC clears final candidate for Nyaribari Chache by-election

By Kenan Miruka

Kisii, Kenya: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared the final candidate for the Nyaribari Chache by-election.

Labour Party of Kenya’s James Kenani presented his papers to returning officer Robert Ng’eny at Keumbu social hall at 10.30am yesterday bringing to ten the number of candidates in the race.

Mr Kenani was formerly Ford-People’s director of elections but he decamped in the last minute following a row over nominations with the party settling for Richard Tong’i.

Addressing supporters at Keumbu trading centre, Kenani exuded confidence of emerging victor in the mini-poll.

“I have been cleared late as a victim of the Court of Appeal ruling that ordered a stay of the by-election late last month. However, I am the right candidate and though my opponents started their campaigns earlier, victory is ours,” he told his supporters.

Training staff

He called for peaceful campaigns and urged constituents to shun clanism, which he said was responsible for stagnated development in the area.

Speaking to The Standard, the returning officer said candidates have 10 more days to campaign ahead of the December 30 election date.

“We are training staff to man this by-election. The commission has hired 220 presiding officers and their deputies as well as 340 clerks to conduct the poll in the 110 polling stations. It is all systems go,” said Ng’eny.

In Bomachoge Borabu, campaigns entered the homestretch amid incidents of violence.