ODM MPs set for direct nomination ticket. Photo: Kaka Mwalimu.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has gifted an early Easter goody bag to seven of its 17 sitting governor after offering them direct tickets.
The 7 governors who have escaped the nomination hurdle include, Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Evans Kidero (Nairobi), Josephat Nanok (Turkana), Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), James Ongwae (Kisii), Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir) and Amason Kingi (Kilifi).
Governors are not the only ones having a smooth path to start campaigning for their seats, several MPs have also reportedly been cleared to run for their seats unopposed.
The MPs include Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Timothy Bosire (Kitutu Masaba), Abdikadir Aden (Balambala), Elijah Memusi (Kajiado Central).
Sources within the orange party also disclosed that Emuhaya MP Wilber Otichilo has also been cleared to vie for Vihiga gubernatorial seat.
"The National Election Board has cleared you as an unopposed candidate to vie for the August 2017 General Election. Consequently, you are hereby invited to receive your nomination certificate on April 3, 2017," reads the text sent by NEB chairperson Judith Pareno.
There are also speculations that former Cabinet Minister Sam Ongeri (Kisii), Gabriel Bukachi Chapia (Nairobi) are also set to be offered direct tickets.