On May 31, 2022, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared six candidates to contest for the Taita-Taveta County senatorial seat in the August polls.
Among those cleared include incumbent Senator Jones Mwaruma (ODM), former Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwadeghu (Wiper Party), Mombasa-based lawyer Stephen Odiaga (Muungano Party), Stephen Saleka Njumwa (ANC), former firebrand Wundanyi MP Mwandawiro Mghanga (Communist Party of Kenya (CPK)), and Sagala Ward Rep Godwin Kilele (Jubilee) and Mike Banton (Independent candidate).
IEBC County Elections Manager Eisha Oshan confirmed that all six candidates met the legal and education requirements to vie for the Senate seat in the forthcoming general election.
Addressing the press after clearance, the candidates vowed to hit the ground running. Senator Mwaruma said, “I know the race is tight but I will do everything possible to retain my seat.”
Lawyer Odiaga stated, “The voters need development conscious leaders to steer the county ahead and I have what it takes to be the next Senator. I am optimistic that I will wrestle the incumbent senator for power.”
Mr. Banton added, “The good thing is that I have been cleared and I will marshal my arsenal to hit the ground immediately.”
