The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had a successful pre-nomination meeting with all gubernatorial, senate and woman representative and members of the County Assembly aspirants.
While briefing the media at Chavakali Boys High school, Vihiga County Returning Officer, Mrs Sarah Ogaro, said aspirants were taken through key requirements ahead of IEBC’s nominations.
The elections body is scheduled to receive nomination papers from gubernatorial, senate and women representative aspirants from all 47 counties between 28th May and 2nd June 2018 ahead of August General Elections.
Mrs Ogaro noted aspirants for the County seats, just like the rest in other elective positions, would only receive the IEBC certificate of nomination after having met all set conditions.
“IEBC officials have enlightened aspirants for county seats including, gubernatorial, senate and women representative, on how to fill the nomination papers, among other procedures and requirements,” Ogaro said.
Vihiga’s governor seat has attracted eight candidates including, the incumbent Moses Akaranga who is vying on the Progressive Party of Kenya (PPK), Vihiga legislator Yusuf Chanzu of Amani National Congress (ANC), his Emuhaya counterpart Wilbur Otichilo of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Others include Maxwell Didi Sherah of Jubilee Party (JP), Ezekiel Jonah Wala of Safina Party and Kennedy Butiko of United Democratic Party (UDP). Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Don Hellen Otollo and businessman Josephat Gweri Amadi will vie as independent candidates.
Twelve candidates are lined-up for women rep position. These include Lonah Obiri (PPK), Beatrice Kahi Adagala (ANC), Rhoda Amimo Mbandu (ODM), Alice Muhonja Kirambi (JP), Millicent Clare Olisa (Chama cha Mwangaza Daima), Mercy Wambui Ambani (Citizens Convention Party) and Lucy Kamira Ambuchi (KANU).
Others are Sylvia Leah Ming’ala (Labour Party of Kenya), Margaret Mbuni Munalitsi (National Vision Party), Evelyne Minayo (UDP), Mary Nelima Amalemba (Independent) and Mercy Lugariki Adema (Independent).
The seat’s incumbent, Dorcas Kedogo will be vying for Vihiga parliamentary seat.
Senator George Munyasa Khaniri, who is seeking re-election, is facing competition from seven opponents.
These are Julius Amira Saisi (UDP), Maurice Upendo Makomere (PPK), Humphrey Imbwaga Lihanda (ODM), Jairus Boston Amayi (Federal Party), Henry Etende Embeywa (Ford Kenya), Patrick Kenya Ralph (JP) and Aggrey Nagweya Ndeda (Independent). Vihiga County has about 267,000 registered voters.