The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has shifted its focus to the Matungu Parliamentary seat in Kakamega County after losing the Msambweni by-election in Kwale County.
On Thursday, December 17, ODM called for applications from interested aspirants who wish to vie for the seat which was declared vacant after the holder, the late Justus Murunga, passed away on Saturday, November 14.
ODM also called for applications for the by-elections in Huruma Ward in Uasin Gishu County, Hell's Gate and London Wards in Nakuru County.
“Applications be submitted to the party headquarters at Chungwa House by end of the day, Monday, December 21, 2020,” ODM’s National Elections Board Chairperson Catherine Muyeka stated.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced that the Matungu by-election would be conducted on Thursday, March 4, 2021.
It further demanded that all parties and individuals intending to participate in the election would be expected to submit their names before Monday, December 21, 2020.
MP Murunga was a member of the Amani National Congress (ANC) under Musalia Mudavadi. During his burial, Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala (an ANC politician) urged ODM and Jubilee to desist from fielding a candidate in Matungu.
Malala argued that the region is an ANC zone and refrain by other parties would promote the handshake spirit. The Senator added that Jubilee opted against fielding a candidate in Kibra and Msambweni as the two were perceived to be ODM zones.
However, in Msambweni, Jubilee Deputy Party leader William Ruto went against his party’s wish and supported an independent candidate, Feisal Bader, who won the seat. Bader beat ODM’s Omar Boga.
Analysts opined that Bader’s win indicated that Odinga was losing his influence at the Coast and urged the party to re-strategise.
Jubilee and ANC have not yet disclosed if they will field candidates for Matungu. It is also yet to be known whether or not Ruto will honour any of his party’s (Jubilee) wish.
