Its back to serious competition once again for the admirers of the parliamentary seat in Ugenya. The battle ground is warming up as candidates hope to claim the crown that has been dethroned due to election process malpractices.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has embarked on efforts to retain the Ugenya parliamentary seat, a fortnight after the Supreme Court ordered the IEBC to conduct fresh elections in the area.
National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi is expected to declare the seat vacant this week after Chris Karan’s win in the 2017 elections was nullified.
The top court upheld the Court of Appeal’s ruling which nullified Karan’s victory on grounds that the election was not free and fair.
This came after a successful appeal by Karan’s opponent, David Ochieng, of the Movement for Democracy and Growth Party (MDGP).
So far, no other candidate has declared an interest in the seat. Secretary general Sifuna spoke as campaigns continue with both candidates reaching out to voters.In the 2017 General Election Mr Karan narrowly beat Mr Ochieng with a margin of 200 votes.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission will have 90 days to conduct a by-election after Muturi declares the seat vacant. And ODM leader Raila Odinga is expected to use the by-election to stamp his political authority in the Luo Nyanza, his backyard.
Already, it has emerged that Raila has tasked key Siaya leaders, including Governor Cornel Rasanga and Senator James Orengo to ensure the party retains the seat.
Speaking to journalists on phone, Rasanga was confident ODM will clinch the seat. “There is no way ODM will lose that seat. We will do everything possible to retain the seat”.
Do you agree that ODM will once again undoubtedly will win the seat again?