Seven candidates were cleared by the Interim Independent Electoral Commission to contest the June 10 South Mugirango by-election.

Those cleared on Monday include Omingo Magara (PDP), Manson Oyongo (Ford People), Rashid Minyonga (PPK), Master Bwondara (KSC), Enock Omboso Mogaka (Labour Party of Kenya) Robert Ongaro Mbaka (Safina) and Ezekiel Okemwa.

Those who will present their papers on Tuesday are Ibrahim Ochoi (ODM), Joshua Ondora (Kanu), Ezekiel Okeng’o (Narc-K), Daniel Apepo (Kaddu) and Sagero Abaga (NVP).

Song and dance

The exercise was marked with song and dance as the candidates accompanied by their supporters marched in style using all sorts of transport available, including motorbikes.

Mr Magara’s team caused a stir when a chopper adorned in his party colours landed at the Nyamarambe playground. It was carrying MPs Johnstone Muthama (Kangundo) and Kambi Kazungu (Kaloleni).

Mr Muthama and Mr Kazungu vowed to pitch tent in the constituency to campaign and ensure that Mr Magara recaptures his seat.

Mr Muthama said Mr Magara lost his seat as a result of mistakes committed by the defunct ECK.

“We want to ensure that Mr Magara sails back to Parliament as he was punished for a mistake he never committed,” Mr Muthama said.

Mr Kazungu, an assistant minister for Medical Services, said they will campaign for Mr Magara to frustrate those who planned to silence him politically.

At the same time, ODM on Monday launched a major campaign in a bid to recapture the South Mugirango seat.

Party secretary-general Anyang’ Nyong’o, Minister Chris Obure, assistant minister James Gesami and Bonchari MP Charles Onyancha, held the party’s first strategy meeting on Monday.

Prof Nyong’o said they would be mounting a high profile bid to recapture the seat left vacant after Mr Omingo Magara’s election was nullified by a court.

Losers disputed

However, as Prof Nyong’o announced that the party had conducted free and fair nominations, two losers disputed the results.

Mr Zebedeo Nyaboga and Mr Gideon Moreka said the nominations were flawed.

Speaking to the Nation separately, the contestants, who lost to Mr Ochoi, said the exercise was a mockery and was predetermined.

However, Mr Henry Ogeto conceded defeat and promised to support Mr Ochoi, who bagged 9,910 votes to win the party ticket while Mr Nyaboga was second with 2,722. Mr Moreka was third with 2,169.