IEBC clears Wangamati, Ole Ntutu, Ochilo Ayacko for governor races

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on Tuesday cleared more candidates to contest for gubernatorial positions in various counties.

Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati got the green light to defend his seat in the August 9 general elections, with Evans Murumba as his running mate.

Wangamati will fly the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), and was accompanied by the party leader Wafula Wamunyinyi as well as Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa.

Migori Senator Ochilo Ayako and Dr. Philip Mwabe were also cleared to vie for the county’s gubernatorial seat on an ODM party ticket and an as an independent candidate respectively.

The duo form part of seven candidates who have already been cleared by the commission to seek to replace Governor Okoth Obado in the upcoming polls.

Ayacko, who was accompanied by his deputy Joseph Mahiri, said improving fishing, gold and agriculture remains top of his top agenda in case he is elected.

Dr. Mwabe, on his part, urged the people of Migori County to embrace peace during the entire campaign period leading up to the elections.

Other candidates also cleared by IEBC to contest for the Migori governor race include: Joseph Ngao(independent), Dalmas Otieno (Jubilee), Rebecca Maroa Ghati (UDA), John Pesa (DAP-K), and Boaz Okoth (independent).

The Wafula Chebukati-led team further gave Patrick Ole Ntutu the all-clear to vie for the Narok gubernatorial seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket.

Ntutu revealed that Tamanyile Koech has replaced Eng. Mathew Kirui as his deputy governor aspirant following unforeseen hitches.

He later led his team through the streets of Narok town where he popularized Kenya Kwanza, promising to promote unity and social economic empowerment of all communities living in the vast county.

Ntutu is facing competition from Narok North MP Mpitalel Ole Kenta, who is the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya joint candidate.