Africa-Press – Kenya. 20 aspirants submitted their names to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the Nairobi Gubernatorial race slated for February 18, 2021.
From the list, the Jubilee party forwarded five aspirants among them the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Secretariat Co-chairman Dennis Waweru, businesswoman Agnes Kagure, Betty Adera, Alex Kemboi and Habib Kongo.
However, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) did not present any names for the hotly contested seat.
This comes after ODM chairman John Mbadi, in a previous interview with a local media house, confirmed that the party would support Jubilee’s quest to retain the seat after the ouster of Mike Sonko who was impeached.
However, ODM Elections Director Junet Mohamed said it was too early to rule out ODM from the race.
“We still have until January 4, next year to field candidates. You have to engage all stakeholders and agree on the best way forward,” Junet said.
Reports indicated that 14 independent candidates also submitted their names among them former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, Noah Migullo, Phyllis Wangari.
IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati, however, sealed Waititu’s fate after he said impeached leaders will not be cleared to vie for elective posts.
Eric Mokua was fronted as the candidate for the Kenya Social Congress party.
United Democratic Alliance, registered by Deputy President William Ruto allies, also did not present any names for the upcoming Nairobi Gubernatorial by-elections.
Thirdway Alliance has fronted exiled Kenyan lawyer Miguna Miguna to contest the seat alongside the party’s deputy leader, Angela Mwikali, as Miguna’s deputy.
Other notable persons not on the list include Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru and former Nairobi Town Clerk Phillip Kisia.
KANU, during a conference held by the party’s leadership on December 30, 2020, unveiled that it would be supporting the star of the KTN reality show Madam President, Betty Adera for the Gubernatorial race.
