Thirteen aspirants have been cleared by various political parties to vie for the Bomachoge seat in a by-election to be held on August 27. Independent Interim Electoral Commission (IIEC) returning officer for Bomachoge Thomas Ingolo said his office was ready to receive nomination papers from the aspirants today and tomorrow.

The candidates include Ontiri Mokua Machana (New Democrats), Nyang’wara Zephaniah Moraro (UDM), Oigara Credius Nyamwange (Kenda), Ogutu Zadoc Abel (NVP), Nyaundi Simon Ogari (ODM), Omweno James Ombasa (Narc-Kenya), Obure Ferdinand Ondabu (TIP), and Lugard Obondi Mogusu (Kaddu). Others are Onyancha Omagwa Joel (PNU), Mabeya Adam Seth (KSC), Nyamwamu Cyprian Orina (Safina), Nyaundi Albert Mbaka (Ford People) and Mirera Albert Ombaso (Ford-K).

Mr Ingolo said a maximum of 18 supporters would be allowed to accompany each aspirant to Tendere Secondary School, including a proposer and a seconder, where nominations will be conducted. "We have adequate security arrangements and each aspirant will be responsible for the conduct of their supporters. We won’t allow for campaigns or celebrations at the venue," he said. Ingolo said official campaigns kick off on August 5 and end on August 25.