Jubilee, ODM to face-off in Huruma ward by-election
Wycliffe Kipsang
Stage is set for a bruising political battle between Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga after the duo cleared candidates to vie for the Huruma ward by-election in Uasin Gishu County.
Jubilee Party flag bearer for the mini-poll slated for March 4 will be Lucy Ng’endo Chomba who won in the just-concluded primaries.
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Chomba, widow to former MCA Peter Chomba who succumbed to Covid-19 complications in October last year garnered 979 votes in the primaries held on Saturday while Francis Njoroge was second with 508 votes. Lucy Njamba was third with 213 votes.
Chomba said that she was better placed to succeed her husband arguing that having served as a nominated MCA before has made understand assembly operations.
“I’m not anybody’s project as it is being claimed in some quarters. I’m just an ordinary businesslady just like any other candidate,” said Chomba after the party primaries at Uasin Gishu primary school.
ODM has also unveiled its candidate, Andrew Ouma for the by-election setting the stage for a battle of supremacy between the former premier and the DP. Huruma Ward falls in Turbo constituency, which is Dr Ruto’s home turf.
Chomba’s chances of clinching the seat in the ward with over 30,000 voters has been boosted after the DP endorsed her.
Chomba’s candidature has been boosted after Uasin Gishu politician Zedekiah Bundotich alias Buzeki also prevailed upon his preferred candidate to support her.
The by-election slated for March 4 has also attracted more than 10 candidates from other parties.
The late Chomba,58, who was serving his second term having been elected on a Jubilee Party ticket.
He previously served as councillor in the defunct Eldoret Municipal Council.
During his funeral service at Huruma Grounds, the DP Ruto endorsed his wife to replace him.
The DP said the though residents should be allowed to exercise their democratic right when electing a leader of their own choice, it was also imperative to show respect to the family of the deceased.
“With all humility, democracy is good but at times it is good to be sensitive to situations like this and see how we can move together,” said the DP then.
“God will give us a chance to get somebody who takes his position at the county assembly and it will come from the family,” he added.
