IEBC clears Mutula Kilonzo Jnr to contest Makueni poll

Makueni County Returning Officer Salad Guracha Boru (left) hands over the certificate of registration to vie for the Makueni senatorial seat to Mutula Kilonzo Jnr (right) July 20, 2013 at the Multi Purpose Hall in Wote Hall. Looking on are Wiper chairman David Musila, Siaya Senator James Orengo and Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana. JENNIFER MUIRURI 

By BENJAMIN MUINDI in Makueni County
Posted  Saturday, July 20   2013 at  09:20

 

The electoral commission has cleared Mutula Kilonzo Jnr to contest the Makueni Senate by election.

County Returning Officer Salad Guracha Boru led Mr Kilonzo through the clearance process at the Multi Purpose Hall in Wote Town, Makueni County before jubilant supporters.

Mr Kilonzo arrived at the venue at 8.10am and was taken through the process of submitting and confirmation of documents that included his national ID, voter registration card, Wiper nomination certificate, integrity declaration form and a declaration of compliance with the Political Parties Act by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission clerks.

IEBC Commissioners Albert Briwe and Sharawi Abdullahi oversaw the ceremony.

"I Salad Boru duly issue Mutula Kilonzo Jnr with this certificate of eligibility to contest the Makueni Senatorial seat," said the Returning Officer.

Mr Kilonzo predicted a victory despite his late entry into the race.

"I am confident of a win. Although I have joined the race late, the Wiper party has been actively campaigning in the County and I am assured that come Friday I will carry the day," Mr Kilonzo told reporters.

Face challengers

Mr Kilonzo's documents show that he registered as a voter in Uuma Primary School in Mbooni constituency where he also voted during the March 4 General Election.

"I am happy to serve the people of Makueni. This is not just a victory for me but it is a victory that will also unite the people of this County," he said.

Mr Kilonzo said he was ready to face his challengers who include Narc Kenya's Philip Kaloki, Labour Party of Kenya Jane Kitundu and PICK's Harun Mwau.

The Wiper candidate was accompanied by party chairman David Musila, Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama, Siaya Senator James Orengo, Nominated senator Janet Ongera, Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, Leader of Minority in the National Assembly Francis Nyenze, Makueni MP Dan Maanzo and politician Kalembe Ndile.

The leaders will crisscross the County campaigning for Mr Kilonzo before converging at Wote Town for a rally where former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka are expected to attend.

The mini poll is slated for July 26.