The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Tuesday, January 26, disclosed that eleven candidates had been cleared to contest in the Machakos Senatorial by-election.
The County Returning Officer Joyce Wamalwa and her Deputy Country Returning Officer Salim Bilali, handed the nomination certificates to the aspiring candidates on what was the last day for clearing and registering candidates intending to vie in the mini polls slated for March 18, 2021.
Among those who were cleared were former Cabinet Minister John Mutua Katuku (Maendeleo Chap Chap Party), Stanley Masai Muindi (Party of Economic Democracy), Lily Nduku Nwanzia of Chama Cha Uzalendo became the first female candidate to be cleared and Jonathan Makenzi Maweu (Independent Candidate).
Other aspirants who were cleared on Monday, January 25, included Ngengele Urbanus Mutunga Muthama of United Democratic Alliance party, Munyambu Francis Musembi (Independent), Nthama Sebastian Nzau (Independent), Kitheka Simeon Kioko (Grand Dream Development Party), Musingi John Kioko (Muungano Party), Otto Edward Musembi Nthenge of FORD-ASILI.
The election which according to many is a competition between ex-Senator Johnson Muthama and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, attracted 15 aspirants.
Kalonzo, however, denied allegations that the party had settled on Agnes Kavindu due to her relationship with Johnson Muthama, and emphasized that they chose her because she is a leader.
Ngegele of (UDA), is supported by Johnson Muthama who is a Ruto ally.
Chama Cha Maendeleo party, which was the party Kabaka belonged to, has nominated Lillian Nduku Mwanzia to vie for the seat.
The Mswambeni by-election in which Feisal Bader (independent candidate) who received support from Ruto’s political allies won was an acid test to Tanga Tanga movement's popularity.
Therefore, if Urbanus Ngengele who is the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate wins, Ruto’s political presence in the 2022 elections will be heavily boosted.
The seat became vacant when Senator Boniface Kabaka passed away on December 11, 2020 due to heart complications.
