On May 30, 2022, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared Gem legislator Elisha Odhiambo to contest the Gem parliamentary seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
After the IEBC decision, Mr Odhiambo extended an olive branch to his rival Dr Jalang'o Midiwo, asking him to put aside their differences and work together.
"I would like to request my brother Dr Midiwo to come and work [with me]. This will ensure that the people of Gem, whom we all desire to serve, get the best out of us. Nominations are gone and we should therefore focus on other important things like building Gem constituency," said Mr Odhiambo.
Mr Odhiambo's clearance comes after a long court battle with Dr Jalang'o, who disputed the outcome of the ODM primaries held on April 13, citing violence and malfunctioning voting kits.
Mr Odhiambo will now face Mr Isaiah Omole Ndiege of the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), Ms Winnie Auma of MDG, and Mr Adino Dan Odhiambo of Narc for the seat.
Meanwhile, in Siaya County, Senate seat aspirant Julius Thomas Okinda was not cleared to contest after failing to provide essential details to the IEBC.
However, Mr Okinda assured Siaya voters that he would be cleared, having been asked by the IEBC to return on Tuesday, May 31.
"There is some essential data that I will provide in the course of the day and I will be cleared eventually; there is no cause for alarm. As an independent candidate, there are several requirements that one must meet in order to get cleared," said Mr Okinda.
