5 Cleared to Contest for Bunge la Mwananchi President As Gaucho Declares He Will Not Defend His Seat

Five candidates have been cleared to contest for the Bunge la Mwananchi presidency in the December 7, 2023 poll.

In an exclusive interview with Nairobi News, the Bunge la Mwananchi election chairman, Robert Kiberenge, said the electoral body had cleared Isaac Otieno, Francis Awino, Kiira Mishael, Patrick Kamotho, and Rajab Were to vie for the position.

“From the list above, I want to tell the people of Bunge la Mwananchi that the election process will be free and fair. The campaign is on until December 6, 2023,” he said.

He also noted the election will help the movement gain its dignity and identity.

“The forthcoming election holds the key to restoring the dignity of our movement. We are resolute in our stance to remain an independent entity, untethered to any political party. Our objective is to stand as a cohesive movement, avoiding entanglement with either the opposition or the ruling party,” Kiberenge emphasized.

His sentiment came just a few weeks after the launch of the voter registration process at Jeevanjee Gardens in Nairobi.

Although the Bunge la Mwananchi elections are held every two years, the movement decided to push this year’s election to December 7, 2023, because of the anti-government protest.

Founded in the early 1990s as a social movement during a one-party state, Bunge la Mwananchi aims to keep the ruling government in check.

In its early years, the president served for several years before a new leader was elected, but election periods have since been shortened.

With active members in 26 counties, Bunge la Mwananchi holds its elections for president, vice president, speaker, and women’s representative at its headquarters in Jeevanjee.

Delegates from each county attend these elections and vote on behalf of the members. After the votes are counted, the winners are sworn in two weeks later.

Outgoing president Calvince ‘Gaucho’ Okoth, has been instrumental in leading anti-government protests over the high cost of living in the recent past. Has indicated he will not defend his seat.

 

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