As Bomachoge goes to the polls today, it will be make-or-break for PNU’s Joel Onyancha who lost the seat in a court petition.

Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) officials said all was ready for the big day.

Mr Onyancha will be fighting to stave off stiff competition from 11 candidates. They include ODM’s Simon Ogari, who comes from the populous Bokione clan, as does Onyancha.

While Mr Ogari has amassed support from the southern part of the constituency (Chache), according to analysts, Ford-People candidate Albert Nyaundi also commands a sizeable following in the area.

Other candidates are: Omweno Ombasa (Narc-Kenya), Zephania Nyang’wara (UDM), Cyprian Nyamwamu (Safina), Machana Ontiri (New Democrats), Credius Oigara (Kenda), Seth Mabeya (Kenya Social Congress), Lugard Obondi (Kaddu) and Ezekiel Mirera (Aford-Kenya).

Tilt scales

Ogari and Onyancha are likely to share the Bokione vote and will be relying on support from the other smaller clans like the Boochi, Bombaba and Bomachoge to sail through.

Former MP Zephaniah Anyieni, speaking at a rally addressed by Prime Minister Raila Odinga, vowed to rally his Bombaba clan to support the ODM candidate. Mr Anyieni, who was the first MP for the constituency at Independence, commands respect among his clan and his influence is likely to tilt the scales in favour of Ogari.

The Bomachoge clan, however, begrudges him for allegedly sidelining them in development projects during his tenure.

His proposal to have the constituency split into two has not gone down well with some voters in the new Kenyenya District.

PNU campaigners addressed a record six rallies at Onyancha’s Kenyenya home turf. They also ensured they held rallies in all places the ODM group had visited.

ODM mounted an impressive campaign sending advance teams before the PM took it a notch higher on Friday last week. Raila accompanied by Bobasi MP Chris Obure, Kitutu Chache MP Richard Onyonka and West Mugirango MP James Gesami addressed rallies at Misesi, Egetuki, Ogembo, Tendere, Kenyenya, Magena and Magenche in one day.

Meanwhile, Nyanza PC Francis Mutie has assured the public that security has been beefed up in Bomachoge constituency ahead of the today’s by-election. Speaking at the Gucha Elections Co-ordinator’s offices yesterday, Mr Mutie said all election materials for today’s poll were safe and there was no cause for alarm.

"This was a small security lapse but after this, we will go back to the drawing table and tighten security operations," said the PC.