MATUNGU BY-ELECTIONS
By Ian Sagala
Benard Wakoli has attracted interest from all walks of life in the forthcoming Matungu by-election.
The parliamentary race is now narrowing to very few contestants and one of the aspirants who have been on every voter’s lips is Wakoli.
Wakoli commonly known as Opako by his supporters is the immediate former FORD-Kenya National Youth Leader, a position he has held since 2011.
“We can’t win alone, that’s why we are calling on every available person to support our favorite candidate, Benard Wakoli,” said Mathew Shiundu, a resident from Khalaba in Matungu.
Wakoli who is running as an independent has sent shock waves among other aspirants for the seat that fell vacant after the sudden death of the area MP Justus Murunga on November 14 this year.
Wakoli will aim to use his experience at national politics to guide the constituency to greater heights after the March 4, 2021 by-elections.
He served in both CORD and NASA secretariats in 2013 and 2017 as one of the advisors to the principals and in the run up to 2017 presidential elections; he was part of the technical committee led by David Ndii that crafted the NASA Manifesto.
Despite having wide experience in politics Wakoli is a renowned development and Governance consultant.
As a son of the soil, he was born in Matungu and started schooling at Lubanga Primary school, then relocated to Shibale Primary school where he completed his primary education and proceeded to Musingu High School, completing his secondary education in 2001.
He was admitted at The University of Nairobi for his undergraduate studies, specializing in Political Science.
The political maestro holds a Master”s degree in Development Economics obtained from the University of Antwerp, Belgium.
On developmental front, Wakoli has been actively involved in community work within Matungu Constituency transforming many lives of women, youth and people with disability.
“We have decided to give our undivided attention and support that will ensure that Opaki is elected come March,” said Hassan Masamba.
Wakoli enjoys support from all sub clans in Matungu and was recently endorsed by elders at Emanani primary school. The elders were from Abashitsetse, Abakolwe and those from the minority clans.
Wakoli has also met the leaders of bodaboda riders and Muslim leaders through the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), Matungu branch, in a bid to lobby for their support.
“We have decided to give our undivided attention and support that will ensure that Opaki is elected come March,” said Hassan Masamba.
Wakoli will be flexing his muscles with seasoned politicians who have once or twice sought to be elected but failed.
Peter Nabulindo who controversially secured the ANC party ticket is one of the politicians.
Nabulindo failed to secure the seat in the 2017 elections and is trying again to convince voters who denied his agendas that he is now fit.
Jubilee party has not come out clear on who to support and this will allow independent candidates like Wakoli to win over most of their supporters headed to March 4th contest.
ODM party is still involved in fights over who to hand the ticket to.
The ODM party is juggling between former MP David Were, Paul Posho (Governor Wycliffe Oparanya’s advisor, Economic & Planning Affairs).
ODM party was humbled in the 2017 elections only securing two seats out of 12 in Kakamega County.
Jubilee party has not come out clear on who to support and this will allow independent candidates like Wakoli to win over most of their supporters headed to March 4th contest.
It is believed most of the big three parties (ANC, ODM and Jubilee) were trying to convince Wakoli to the seat.
Voters have called on ODM party leader and Deputy President William Ruto to support Wakoli as he is suitable to run the constituency.
“We can’t win alone, that’s why we are calling on every available person to support our favorite candidate, Benard Wakoli,” said Mathew Shiundu, a resident from Khalaba in Matungu.
Other candidates includes Mombasa based lawyer Charles Kasamani, late MP’s wife Christabel Amunga, current Matungu Constituency Development Fund (CDF) chairperson Athman Wangara.
End
