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Mugirango Election Hopefuls Tell Ruto, Balala To Keep Off

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Published on Saturday, 20 February 2010 21:45

ODM South Mugirango by election hopefuls have told politicians from outside the area to keep off.

They urged Agriculture minister William Ruto and his Tourism, counterpart Najib Balala to direct their energies to their ministries. The two have been in the forefront in pushing for immediate former MP Omingo Magara to be given direct ODM nomination. Led by Ibrahim Ochoi, the candiaates demanded a free, democratic and fair nomination.

"As a seasoned politician, what does he fear in democratic nominations? Let him (Magara) face us and if he is declared winner, we shall accept and respect the decision," he said. "Calls for Magara to be given direct nomination is an affront against democracy and a primitive attempt to deny South Mugirango voters their right of nominating a candidate, "he said at a press conference at Riosiri market.

Gideon Moreka, Zebedeo Nyaboga and John Ogeto told the ODM' election board to assure aspirants the nominations will be free and fair. Speaking at Kisii University College during the cultural week, Moreka asked party headquarters to follow the laid down procedures and rules for nomination of candidates. Others seeking the seat on an ODM ticket are David Mogunde, Aungo Bw'Onderi, Rosemary Obara and Apepo Ombasa. Other candidates are Manson Nyamweya of Ford People, David Kombo of ODM-K, PNU's Rashid Miyonga, Dr Ezekiel Okemwa, Master Ondara, Kepher Marube and Mauti Sagwe.

Speaking in South Mugirango on Friday, Ruto led other MPs in calling for Magara to be given direct nominations saying subjecting him to nominations was tantamount to betrayal. MPs, Charles Keter, Dr Robert Monda, Benjamin Lang'at and Lands minister James Orengosaid ,Magara was suffering because the defunct ECK bungled the elections.

ODM's national elections board has indicated it will go for nominations ahead of the by-election and Magara has indicated he is ready for the primaries. Magara lost his seat following a successful petition filed by Manson Nyamweya who contested on a Ford People ticket.