Kiambu: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has concluded the clearance process for the Ol-Kalou Parliamentary seat, with nine candidates officially cleared to contest. The clearance process, which concluded on Tuesday, saw both seasoned politicians and newcomers receive the nod to vie for the seat.
According to Kenya News Agency, the process took place smoothly over two days, with four candidates receiving clearance on Monday and the remaining five on Tuesday. Rachel Wangui Njoroge stands out as the only female candidate, representing the People’s Democratic Party. Sammy Kamau Ngotho of the Democratic Change Party (DCP), backed by prominent MPs and party officials, was among those cleared on Monday. His procession included the new Secretary General of the Party, John Methu, and Deputy Party Leader, Cleophas Malala.
Other candidates include Samuel Muchina of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), who was accompanied by a large contingent, including Nyandarua Woman Representative Faith Gitau, EALA MP Maina Karobia, and Leo Wamuthende. Wilson Kigwa, running under the Jubilee Party, was supported by Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni and Nyandarua County Chairman Sambigi Mukuria.
The Returning Officer, Muhia Njiraini, oversaw the clearance at the PCEA Church in Ol-Kalou town. He described the clearance process as smooth and announced that the candidates are now free to campaign until July 13.
Newcomers to the political scene include Abdifatah Hussein of the Federal Party of Kenya and Timothy Kariuki of the People’s Renaissance Movement. Kariuki made a statement by arriving on a donkey for his clearance, citing the high cost of fuel as his reason. He expressed pride in being the first Gen-Z candidate to vie for a seat in the country.
Edward Mathenge, an ICT expert and nephew of the late MP David Kiaraho, is running under the Kenya Moja Movement and aims to empower youth and farmers in the constituency. Other candidates include Stephen Wanyoike Waithaka of the National Liberal Party and Edwin Kariiri Muchiri of the Party of National Unity (PNU).
The seat became vacant following the death of David Kiaraho, who was serving his third term on a Jubilee ticket. Kiaraho passed away in March and was laid to rest in Tigoni, Limuru, Kiambu County.
