Jubilee Party Secretary General Raphael Tuju on Sunday explained why they had decided to pull out of the Migori Senate by-election.
Tuju revealed the decision was made in the interest of the Building Bridges Initiative.
The secretary-general told journalists: “The National Management Committee unanimously decided that the party will not field a candidate in the forthcoming by-election.”
He noted a similar decision was made by the party on supporting Wiper party’s Edith Nyenze for the Kitui West seat following the death of her husband Francis Nyenze, where she emerged the winner.
[caption caption="Jubilee Party secretary-general Raphael Tuju"]
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The decision was a boost to the Orange Democratic party which is in the process of identifying a candidate for the seat left vacant following the death of Ben Oluoch-Okello.
Reports alleged that ODM opted for a direct nomination to avert chaos and violence associated with party primaries, especially in Nyanza.
Nominated Senator Judith Pareno stated that the party’s National Elections Board was to meet and vet the hopefuls on Monday.
Among those seeking to replace the late Senator Okello are former cabinet minister Ochillo Ayacko, former Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno, former SONU chairman David Osiany, former Migori MP John Dache Pessa and businessman Eddy Oketch.
ODM has a massive following in the region and the person who bags the party ticket will have a headstart in any political race a decision which has made other hopefuls unhappy.
[caption caption="ODM Party chairman John Mbadi"]
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The Party's chairman John Mbadi sought to clear the air as to why the decision was made.
“The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has given us strict timelines. The commission requires the list of candidates by July 26. Party organs allow us to opt for the direct nomination,” Mbadi stated.
