It was a second day of big winners and losers and dramatic scenes in both Jubilee and ODM as primaries neared conclusion in the parties’ strongholds.
By last evening, more than 50 incumbents, including senators, governors, Members of Parliament and Members of County Assembly had lost in the Jubilee and ODM nominations as voters in different regions continued to deliver surprises.
It has been a baptism by fire for many big names who were trounced by little known newcomers and others by challengers who shifted from their seats to another level.
Among those shown the door at the nominations were Jubilee legislators Samuel Chepkonga (Ainabkoi) James Bett (Kesses), Peter Gitau (Mwea), Stephen Ngare (Ndia), Njogu Barua (Gichugu), Joseph Gitari, (Kirinyaga Central), Mburu Kahangara (Lari), Njoroge Baiya (Githunguri), Esther Gathogo (Ruiru). Nominated MP Isaac Mwaura (defector from ODM) lost in the Ruiru parliamentary seat battle. Kiambu Women’s Representaive Anne Nyokabi lost to broadcaster Gathoni wa Muchomba.
Big losers in ODM were Jakoyo Midiwo (Gem), Oburu Odinga (Nominated), George Oner (Rangwe), Augustino Neto (Ndhiwa), Willy Mtengo (Malindi), Aduma Owuor (Nyakach), Rose Nyamunga (Kisumu Women Representative) as well as Onyango Oloo (defector from Jubilee).
Rarieda MP, Nicholas Gumbo, who was running for the Siaya gubernatorial seat also lost as did Cecily Mbarire who was running for Embu Governor’s seat against incumbent Martin Wambora, while Kitui Senator David Musila who was had sought the governorship lost to incumbent Julius Malombe.
Others who had lost on Tuesday in Jubilee nominations include Kiambu governor William Kabogo, MPs Hellen Sambili (Mogotio), Elijah Lagat (Chesumei), Stephen Bitok (Mosop), Sammy Mwaita (Baringo Central) and Zipporah Kittony (Nominated).
In ODM zones, Denitah Ghati (Migori Women’s Rep), John Kobado (Uriri) and Edick Anyanga (Nyatike) lost the primaries. Some of the incumbents from ODM have already been granted direct nomination tickets.
But some managed to retain their seats despite stiff competition, especially from newcomers. They include MPs Kimani Ichungwa (Kikuyu), Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika Town), Jude Njomo (Kiambu Town), Moses Kuria, (Gatundu South), Paul Koinange (Kiambaa), John Mbadi (Suba), Peter Kaluma (Homabay), Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Millie Odhiambo (Mbita), Aisha Jumwa (who is to vie for Malindi MP) and Onyango K’oyoo (Muhoroni). Also in the winning team were Siaya senator James Orengo and his Homa Bay counterpart Moses Kajwang’.
Others who won in the nominations are Uasin Gishu Governor, Jackson Mandago, former Cabinet Minister, Margaret Kamar for Senator and ex-Judiciary Chief Registrar, Gladys Boss Shollei for Women’s Representative.
New names in ODM were, Elisha Odhiambo who defeated Midiwo in Gem, Mark Nyamita who took (Uriri), Ong’ondo Were who triumphed in Kasipul and Samuel Atandi in Alego Usonga.
Former interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Lenku was in the lead for the Kajiado gubernatorial race. He is expected to face off with the incumbent David Nkedianye of ODM, who has been given a direct nomination.
Also declared winners by respective Returning Officers yesterday were Kirinyaga and Kiambu gubernatorial aspirants Anne Waiguru and Ferdinand Waititu.
Jubilee nominations ended yesterday, unless any repeat is ordered in some polling stations that experienced trouble, while for ODM the primaries for Nairobi will be held on Sunday, the last day.
