Independent candidates hold hands in solidarity during the launch of the Kenya Alliance of Independent Candidates at the Kasarani gymnasium on May 23, 2017. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]A number of independent aspirants are headed for a win despite both Jubilee and NASA launching intensive campaigns against the candidates.
The more than 1,500 independents were termed spoilers after refusing to step down and support the candidates they lost to during the party nominations which were held in April this year.
Some, however, put up spirited fights and emerged victorious in the hotly contested polls.
In Nyali constituency, former KTN investigative journalist Mohamed Ali has trounced Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho’s cousin Said Abdalla who vied on an ODM ticket.
Zaddock Ogut, who contested for the Bomachoge Borabu parliamentary seat has defeated the incumbent, Joel Onyancha of Jubilee.
In Laikipia, independent governor candidate Nderitu Muriithi has floored the incumbent, Jubilee’s Joshua Irungu.
Kisumu East candidate Shakeel Shabir has also won on an independent ticket.
The independent wave has also been felt in Isiolo where Governor Godana Doyo has been trounced by Mohamed Kuti.
In Marakwet East constituency, the incumbent, Kangongo Bowen has been defeated by former Marakwet East MP Jebii Kilimo while in Ainabkoi constituency, William Chepkut has trounced Jubilee’s Samuel Chepkonga to win the seat on an independent ticket.
Patrick Wainaina, an independent candidate, has also floored the incumbent Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a.