Date set for Mathare mini-poll
Voters in Mathare constituency will elect their new MP on June 3.
The announcement by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is expected to re-ignite the Jubilee-Cord rivalry as the former seeks to retain the seat while the later seeks to increase its representation in the National Assembly.
“The commission would like to inform the public that by-elections for MP will be held on Tuesday June 3,” said IEBC communications manager Tabitha Mutemi.
The announcement came after National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi declared the seat vacant.
Aspirants have been on the ground mobilising voters with pressure mounting on political parties to carry out open and transparent nominations.
On Thursday, the IEBC said political parties had 16 days to nominate their candidates. Independent candidates were given until April 15 to get the go ahead from the Registrar of Political Parties to take part in the by-elections.
Independent candidates should submit their symbols by April 15 while political party primaries are to be completed by April 19,” said Ms Mutemi.
Successful nominees will present their papers to the IEBC returning officer from May 6 to 7 for clearance. The official campaign period will begin thereafter ending on June 1.
The seat fell vacant following a successful petition by ODM’s Steve Kariuki challenging the election of Mr George Wanjohi.
Mr Kariuki, Bishop Magaret Wanjiru’s son is considered as the favourite to secure the party’s ticket.
TNA has opted to support Mr Wanjohi in the poll.
Starehe MP Maina Kamanda is leading the Jubilee team while Nairobi Governors Evans Kidero is heading the Cord troops.