On May 30, 2022, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) embarked on its second day of clearing political aspirants ahead of the August 9 General Election.
Several aspirants presented their papers as they seek to battle with incumbents in various elective positions. The process, which started on May 29, has been marred by technical delays.
Former Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo, who is eyeing the Homa Bay Town parliamentary seat on the Green Congress of Kenya (GCK), was cleared on Monday morning. Lawyer Humphrey Obach, who is running as an independent candidate for the Homa Bay parliamentary seat, was also cleared.
Researcher Achuodho Kachuodho, who is vying for the Rangwe constituency seat, expressed optimism that he will empower Rangwe residents. He called on residents to support him so that he can acquire victory on August 9.
"I am now a candidate in this race. I plan to use my network to establish a pineapple processing industry if elected," Kachuodho said.
Former MP Agostino Neto, who is eyeing the Ndhiwa parliamentary seat, was also cleared. Neto expressed optimism in his bid to unseat the current MP Martin Owino.
"This clearance is an indication that we must initiate a change in Ndhiwa," Neto said.
Homa Bay senator Moses Kajwang', who was also cleared to defend his seat, called on politicians to campaign peacefully.
"What we require from the candidates is peace during the electioneering period," Kajwang' said.
Other aspirants who received their nomination certificates include Omingo Magara, who is vying for the Jubilee party senate seat in Kisii, and Charles Mogaka, Cliff Ombeta, and Zebedeo Opore, who are vying for the Bonchari constituency seat.
However, Eddy Oketch, who is running for the Senate seat in Migori County, failed to get cleared after he was found lacking some credentials. John Zatta, who is running for the Rongo MP seat, was also not cleared on similar grounds.
Oketch attributed the delay to a mix-up in dates, saying that he had to go back and correct that.
"I have an appointment with IEBC at 3pm. We are going to correct the dates and make our way back to the IEBC offices," Oketch said.
Despite the technical hitches, several leaders, including Rongo MP Paul Abuor, Nyatike MP Tom Odege, Former Suna West MP Joseph Ndiege, and Jared Kwaga Uriri MP aspirant, presented their papers on May 29 and were cleared to vie for the parliamentary seats.
Yesterday, Migori Senator Ochilo Ayacko, Awendo MP Walter Owino, Suna East MP aspirant Elijah Odhiambo, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, Suna West MP Peter Masara, and Rongo MP aspirant Nelson Oluoch were cleared by the independent body.
