Orange Democratic Movement party on Friday cleared three candidates ahead of civic polls scheduled this October across the country.
The three wards by-elections in Tana River, Marsabit and Kilifi Counties will be the first after the party suffered humiliating defeat in Ugenya and Embakasi South constituencies.
National Elections Board chair Judith Pareno issued certificates to the successful candidates, with the party expected to launch campaigns as it revamps ahead of 2022.
"Today the NEB Chair Sen. Judith Pareno today presented nomination certificates to Mohammed Ali Sheikh (Abakaile Ward-Garissa), Reuben Mwamure Katana (Ganda Ward-Kilifi) & Tobias Chadow Lenguro (Loyiangalani Ward-Marsabit). They will vie for by-elections on 17th October 2019," the party said.
ODM is expected to also pick a candidate for Kibra constituency by-elections following the death of Ken Okoth. Secretary General Edwin Sifuna could not deny or admit that he's interested.
“ODM has not received any application from any candidate to vie on its ticket. I cannot say whether I will run or not,” said Mr Sifuna.
Other contestants include Pius Otieno, Benson Musungu and Ken Okoth's brother Imran Okoth. Raila Odinga is expected to been Central Committee next week to decide the candidate.
Rooting for a fair nomination process, Mr K’Otieno said such a process should be acceptable to all the candidates.
“I will vie but it will be wise to carry out a free, fair and credible nomination exercise. I am aware that the ODM constitution allows for different forms of picking a candidate, but it will be wise to conduct fair nominations,” said K’Otieno.
Mr Musungu said he does not wish to be given direct nomination, and called for a fair contest among the contenders.
“I have expressed my interest to vie for the seat but I do not wish to be given a direct ticket. We should go for a free, fair and credible nomination process,” said Musungu.