ODM picks ex-EPRA boss Oimeke as candidate for Bonchari by-election

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has picked Robert Pavel Oimeke as its candidate in the forthcoming Bonchari parliamentary by-election.

ODM says that it received three applications from Oimeke, immediate former Kisii County Government Environment and Water CEC John Momanyi and businessman David Ogega Oyugi. On Friday, it emerged that Oyugi was not a life member of ODM as required, therefore had to drop out.

The former Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General was chosen to fly the orange party's flag in Bonchari after a consensus from the Central Committee.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said Oimeke said the  system used in selection of the candidate was in accordance with the party’s constitution.

Sifuna said the Bonchari by-e election will be a true test of democracy urging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission IEBC to put in place urgent measures to tame violence and malpractices as witnessed in the just concluded Matungu and kabuchai by-elections.

Oimeke hit the headlines for the wrong reasons after he was arrested last December over bribery allegations.

Oimeke is accused of soliciting KSh200,000 bribe to approve the reopening of a petrol station in Oyugis. The petrol station had been shut down over tax violations. Oimeke has denied these charges.

He resigned from his position last week, with effect from February 16.

The Bonchari parliamentary seat fell vacant after the death of MP John Oroo Oyioka on February 15.

The by-election will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.